Fentanyl Overdose

Duragesic Pain Patches Linked to Fentanyl Overdose

Users are vulnerable to an overdose if they take too much transdermal fentanyl, or combine it with excessive amounts of another narcotic. An overdose can cause severe breathing problems (breathing may even stop), unconsciousness, and death. Serious signs of an overdose include very slow breathing and drowsiness so severe the person is unresponsive. Additional signs of an overdose include cold, clammy skin; low blood pressure; pinpoint pupils of eyes; and slow heartbeat. If this occurs, get emergency help right away.

Patients (and caregivers) should also know that they may have a sudden and possibly dangerous rise in their blood level of fentanyl or have a stronger effect from fentanyl if they: use other drugs that affect brain function; drink alcohol; have an increase in body temperature or are exposed to heat; or use other medications that affect how fentanyl is broken down in the body. Consumers must understand that Fentanyl is a powerful analgesic with potency eighty times greater than morphine. Fentanyl should always be taken as directed by a physician and should never be used anyone without a prescription.

In 2004, fentanyl patch abuse was found to be the cause of 115 deaths in Florida alone, according to research conducted by University of Florida toxicologist Dr Bruce Goldberger. Emergency room doctors in the United States saw the number of overdoses on fentanyl grow from 28 in 1994, to 1,506 in 2002, according to the most recent numbers available from the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. Fentanyl abuse is also on the rise among medical professionals who handle the drug. A Florida study illustrated that while only 5.6% of physicians in Florida were anesthesiologists, nearly 25% of physicians followed for substance abuse/dependence were anesthesiologists. When sorted by drug of choice, anesthesiologists had more fentanyl abuse and dependence than other physicians.

Free Lawsuit Consultation

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a Duragesic Fentanyl Pain Patch n you may have valuable legal rights. Contact Mark & Associates, P.C. today for a free legal consultation. We represent Duragesic Patch clients on a contigency fee basis. This means there are no up front legal fees, and we are only compensated if we recover money on your behalf.