February 12, 2008: Fentanyl Patches Recalled

It was announced that prescription medicine in the form of painkiller skin patches were recalled due to the cut in the drug reservoir of the patch may result to dangerous overdose of the potent painkiller. These patches are marketed by PriCara under the brand name Duragesic. The generic model of the fentanyl patches is also sold by Sandoz Inc. The withdrawal was applied to all 25 microgram/hour fentanyl patches with the expiration dates on or before December 2009. The recalled skin patches must be disposed properly. PriCara was advising the patients with recalled patches containing 25 mcg/hour to contact 800-547-6446 and the patients with recalled 25 mcg/hour must contact 800-901-7236.

July 2005: FDA Alert – Alert – Narcotic Overdose and Death

US FDA has issued a warning in July 2005 stating that they are looking into some reports of death and other adverse side effects from over dosage of the narcotic fentanyl in the patients who are using Duragesic skin patches for pain control. Instructions for using Duragesic skin patch are to be followed religiously to avoid death or other serious side effects that can happen from using too much or over dosing use of fentanyl. Press here for more information from US FDA.