Duragesic is an adhesive “pain patch” that is applied to the skin. It delivers a steady dose of fentanyl (a powerful opiate pain medication), over an extended period of time, to persons suffering from chronic and/or debilitating pain.

On Apr-05-04, Janssen Pharmaceutical Products LP issued an urgent recall for defective patches. The recall applies only to specific manufacturing lots of the 75mcg strength patches, which have a faulty seal that permits full strength fentanyl to leak from the patch. This could result in patients being given an overdose of fentanyl, which can cause fatal respiratory and/or cardiac arrest.

Only the following lot numbers are affected:
NDC no. 50458-035-05
Lot Control nos. 0327192, 0327193, 0327294, 0327295, and 0330362
Symptoms of Overdose

Symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness or coma, confusion, tiredness, cold and clammy skin, and small pupils. Continued exposure to uncontrolled amounts of fentanyl can lead to addiction and dependency.
Duragesic in the News

Bounty hunter Domino Harvey died of an accidental overdose from the powerful painkiller fentanyl. This drug is more powerful than morphine and her death was due to acute fentanyl toxicity. (Sep-03-05) [LOS ANGELES TIMES]

The FDA is investigating 120 deaths of users of pain patches that deliver doses of fentanyl. (Jul-16-05) [WASHINGTON POST]

A health advisory has been issued by the FDA regarding the Duragesic fentanyl skin patches after reports of deaths in patients using the painkiller. (Jul-15-05) [FOX NEWS]