Duragesic Potentially Linked to 120 Deaths

July 2005

Chronic pain sufferers, the same drug that relieves your symptoms could cost you your life. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating reports of 120 deaths possibly linked to overdoses from the Duragesic pain patch.

Duragesic patches, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, affix to the skin and deliver fentanyl, a powerful narcotic, to chronic pain sufferers. The FDA said fentanyl patches should only be used for long-term management of moderate to severe pain and not for short-term pain such as post-surgery or an injury.

The FDA also issued a public-health advisory on how patients and medical professionals should properly use and dispose of fentanyl pain patches. In addition, last month Johnson & Johnson updated Duragesic’s label to indicate the potential for interaction with alcohol and other prescription drugs.

This isn’t the first time the Duragesic pain patch has been linked to overdose fatalities. In late 2004, the narcotic drug was recalled because of potential leaks.

To learn more about dangerous drugs, visit our Recalled Drugs and Other Drug Alerts Legal Center.