Painkilling patches containing the powerful drug fentanyl have been recalled due to a flaw in manufacturing that could cause an overdose. Sold under the brand name Duragesic by PriCara, the recall includes all 25-microgram-per-hour patches with expiration dates on or before December 2009.
The patches could have a cut in the lining of the internal reservoir where the powerful opioid drug is stored. If the cut causes the fentanyl to leak into the packaging, anyone opening or using the patch could come into direct contact with the drug.
An overdose can cause difficulty in breathing and potentially be fatal.
The drug is also sold generically in the U.S. by Sandoz, Inc. The patches are also sold in Canada under the Duragesic brand by Janssen-Ortho Inc. and generically by Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd.
Source: Painkiller patches recalled for overdose risk
Related Information:
Ihave used Fentanal patches for three years now and have not had any problems with them whatsoever.People that abuse this medication are the ones that have problems.They also have made it hard on people like me who need a strong pain medication for severe chronic pain.Doctors are afraid to prescribe opiates for people like me.Its adam shame that we have began doing drug screens when you go to your doctors office these days.Thanks alot dope fiens
This recall is about a manufacturer’s defect in the patch which could cause anyone, including a caregiver, to be exposed to an overdose of the drug. It could happen to anyone.
It has nothing to do with misuse or abuse of the patches.
BuddyT
http://alcoholism.about.com
Why is this info on Fentanyl appearing under a heading for “alcoholism”? I am a cancer patient with chronic pain, and only learned of this recall when my local pharmacy told me today that “all the Fentanyl has been recalled nationwide”. This story appears to say that only 25mcg. patches, with expiration dates prior to 2009, are involved, however the pharmacist said “all strengths”–(I use 50 mcg.) It would be nice to have more detailed coverage and have the info in a category which is more related to pain management rather that “alcoholism”!
This is the Alcoholism / Substance Abuse site and Fentanyl is a drug that has been known to be used for non-medical purposes.
There is more information about the recall on About.com’s Back and Neck Pain topic site.
http://backandneck.about.com/b/2008/02/13/257858.htm
BuddyT
my mom died from doing this im 16 and she was 48 she died feb 23,2009 and i think they should quit selling it or even giving it to people she only used it 1 time