The fentanyl patch is comprised of an outer impermeable plastic shell and a drug permeable inner lining. The patch is applied directly to the skin where heat from the body activates a regular release of fentanyl over a 72 hour period. This drug is a powerful opiate pain-reliever held in a gel suspension between the two linings of the patch. The inner lining only lets a certain amount of the drug into the body based on the needs of the patient, typically between 25 to 100 micrograms per hour.
Sales of Duragesic earned Janssen Pharmaceutica over a billion dollars between the year 2002-2003. Unfortunately a problem in the seal between the linings was discovered in February 2004, prompting Janssen to initially recall one group of the patches, but an additional four groups of the patch were removed from the market later in April. The company has since recalled over two million of the patches.
Bagolie Friedman Injury Lawyers, with affiliate offices in Jersey City and Clifton New Jersey, Hollywood Florida and Brisbane, Australia, have begun to review and accept injury cases from surviving family members and individuals who have suffered from Fentanyl overdose.
"We will be reviewing potential cases from the United States, Australia and Europe," said founding partner, Ricky Bagolie.
Duragesic is no longer the only fentanyl pain patch being marketed. On January 28, 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted final approval for Mylan Laboratories, Inc. to market a generic fentanyl transdermal system. The manufacturer of Duragesic® has also begun to market an authorized generic version of the fentanyl patch through an agreement with Sandoz. Other generic companies have applications pending at the FDA to market similar fentanyl patches, therefore, other generic versions may soon be available. Problems associated with these newer generic patches have also been reported.
"It is very difficult for a person examining a fentanyl patch to detect a defect or leak. This can lead to a dangerous situation as exposure to an excessive amount of fentanyl can lead to serious injury or death." says attorney Alan Friedman.
If you believe that you, or a member of your family, has been injured or suffered from an overdose as a result of receiving a fentanyl pain patch, contact Ricky Bagolie or Alan Friedman toll free at 1-866-333-3529, e-mail them at info@bagoliefriedman.com or visit http://bagoliefriedman.com/ now for a confidential and free consultation.
