When an individual is injured because of dangerous prescription drugs, they may be entitled to seek compensation for their injuries. If you have suffered injuries as a result of using Duragesic patches, you should consult with a Chicago injury lawyer who has experience with product liability claims involving dangerous prescription drugs.
A Chicago injury lawyer will investigate the facts surrounding your case and will examine your medical records, along with previous claims made against the manufacturer of Duragesic patches to assemble a thorough body of evidence. While you focus on your treatment and recovery, a Chicago injury lawyer will focus on protecting your legal rights.
Overview of Duragesic Patches
Duragesic patches contain narcotic analgesics to help relieve moderate to severe chronic pain. These patches are placed on the skin and designed to last for several weeks. They are also sold under a generic brand, fentanyl transdermal skin patch.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Duragesic patches in 1990. These patches were developed by Alza Corporation and marketed by Janssen Pharmaceutica, both companies owned by Johnson & Johnson.
FDA Warning and Recall of Duragesic Patches
In July 2005 the FDA issued a public advisory warning to consumers because of the potential to overdose on Duragesic patches. This came after an investigation into 120 deaths that were found to be linked to the use of these patches. Patients had also experienced other serious side effects from Duragesic patches and the generic fentanyl patches.
Then in February 2008 the FDA issued a recall on all patches containing fentanyl because there was a cut in the patch that could result in a harmful overdose.
These dangerous prescription drugs could lead to severe side effects or death.
Fentanyl is classified as a narcotic drug. It can be up to 100 times stronger than the pain reliever morphine, and therefore misuse of this drug can pose serious risks.
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