Pain patch warning

Unfortunately, the companies involved in manufacturing Duragesic patches ignored signs warning of defective patches and continued to sell their product, putting many people at risk of an overdose. As reported by the Houston Chronicle, the jury deciding the case found that the makers of the Duragesic patch were negligent in the death of Michealynn Thompson.

According to the suit, Thompson was wearing the Duragesic patch to help manage pain caused by a car accident. However, when she died, Thompson had 10 times the dose of fentanyl necessary for pain management in her body. Four days after Thompson's death, the makers of the patch recalled the product due to reports of leakage, causing patients to overdose on fentanyl.

Lawyers for Thompson's daughter argued during the lawsuit that around 2. Furthermore, of 40 lots of Duragesic patches manufactured between January and June , 35 lots included patches that leaked. Symptoms of an overdose include difficulty breathing, extreme sleepiness, difficulty talking, trouble with walking, small eye pupils, faintness, dizziness, confusion, and coma loss of consciousness. If you experience any severe side effects or signs of an overdose from any medication, remove the patch and call The diclofenac epolamine patch can interfere with the effects of other medications or cause drug interactions.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are using any medications, including Norpac disopyramide , Tambocor flecainide , medications applied to the skin or mouth to treat pain, Mexitil mexiletine , Ethmozine moricizine , Procanabid, Pronestyl procainamide , Rhythmol propafenone , Quinidex quinidine , and Tonocard tocainide.

When using a fentanyl patch, do not drink alcohol or take street drugs, as it can increase the risk of severe side effects or death. Drugs that can cause a serious interaction include benzodiazepines such as Xanax alprazolam , Klonopin clonazepam , Valium diazepam , and Ativan lorazepam ; medications for mental illness, depression, and nausea; other medications for pain; muscle relaxants; sedatives; sleeping pills; and tranquilizers.

Not all drug interactions are listed here, so always let your healthcare provider know about any medicines or supplements you're taking before you start using a fentanyl patch. Fentanyl patches can be dangerous in the wrong hands or if applied improperly.

The U. Food and Drug Administration FDA has issued warnings about fentanyl patch safety after a number of accidental overdoses were reported. Overdoses have occurred when more than one patch is used at a time, when a patient applies heat to the patch, and when a non-patient—such as a child—accidentally comes into contact with a patch.

According to the FDA, young children have died from accidental exposure when putting it in their mouth or applying it to their skin. In , the FDA required color changes on the writing of Duragesic fentanyl patches. The change was made so patients could more easily see the patches and notice when they fall off to avoid accidental exposure to kids and pets.

Used fentanyl patches should be folded with the sticky sides together and flushed down the toilet. If you or someone you know has had accidental exposure to a fentanyl patch, call or Poison Control at If you have any questions about the use, efficacy, or safety of pain patches, please discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider. Although pain patches can be effective, they need to be used safely, properly, and under the guidance of your healthcare provider.

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Kuehl KS. Review of the efficacy and tolerability of the diclofenac epolamine topical patch 1. Clin Ther. National Library of Medicine. Lidocaine transdermal patch. Nalamachu S, Morley-forster P. Diagnosing and managing postherpetic neuralgia. Drugs Aging. Fentanyl transdermal patch. Transdermal fentanyl for cancer pain: Trial sequential analysis of patients from 35 randomized controlled trials. J Cancer Res Ther. Flector Patch. Important safety information. Fentanyl patch can be deadly to children.

Important Safety Information. Lidocaine Transdermal Patch. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data.

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