Fentanyl Attorneys at a Dangerous Drugs Law Firm
The Duragesic transdermal patch is an adhesive skin patch used to dispense a painkiller called fentanyl. It is worn on the skin and is absorbed over a period of up to three days. The drug is often used in palliative care to assist patients who cannot swallow or who suffer from renal (kidney) failure. Fentanyl is used as a last resort for bedridden and cancer patients suffering from extreme pain. Unfortunately, many of these patients are often victims of the dangerous side effects of fentanyl that cause serious injury, even death.
The attorneys of Tracey Law Firm represent people who have been injured by fentanyl. We also represent families of those who died a wrongful death because of this defective drug.
In July 2005, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory warning that "deaths and overdoses have occurred in patients using both the brand name product Duragesic and the generic product." A second warning was issued in 2007, after the FDA continued to receive reports of deaths and life-threatening side effects due to inappropriate doctor's prescriptions or incorrect patient usage. At that time, the agency told manufacturers to update their product information and develop a medication guide for patients. It also advised consumers:
- "Fentanyl patches are only for people who are opioid-tolerant and have chronic pain that is not well-controlled with other pain medicines."
- Get medical attention for signs of a fentanyl overdose: trouble breathing, slow/shallow breathing; slow heartbeat; severe sleepiness; cold, clammy skin; trouble walking/talking; feeling faint, dizzy, or confused.
- Tell your doctor, pharmacist and other health care professionals about all the medicines you take if prescribed the fentanyl patch due to potentially dangerous interaction.
- Read the instructions.
- Do not use heat sources while wearing a patch (heating pads, electric blankets, saunas, heated waterbeds, hot baths, sunbathing.
The generic version of Duragesic is called Sandoz. In December 2007, as part of this continuing investigation, the FDA issued a second Public Health Advisory that stated, "The FDA has continued to receive reports of deaths and life-threatening side effects after doctors have inappropriately prescribed the patch or after people incorrectly used it."
If you believe that a serious injury or death was caused by the use of fentanyl or you are interested in learning more about Duragesic side effects, please contact our office.
Fentanyl side effects may include:
- Drowsiness
- Feelings of elation (euphoria)
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty urinating
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Skin reactions
- Loss of appetite
- Amnesia
- Paranoia
Founding attorney Sean Patrick Tracey and his partner, Shawn Fox, have collectively helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars in pharmaceutical verdicts and settlements on behalf of their clients over 15 years. Put our firm's experience, our skilled trial lawyers and our resources to work for you.
Contact a Fentanyl Attorney
To arrange a free consultation about your case, please contact the Duragesic pain patch lawyers at Tracey Law Firm by
e-mail or call toll free 877.301.5913. From offices in Houston, we represent clients from Texas, the Gulf Coast and throughout the nation.
