Duragesic Patches are "Really Frightening"

Alderson, WVKathy T. had been on Duragesic Patches for approximately three years when she suffered serious side effects. At the time, she did not realize that her problem might be related to the patches. However, after learning about tears in some Duragesic Patches, Kathy became concerned that she suffered an overdose of fentanyl because of a faulty patch.

"I was put on the Duragesic Patches back in 2003," Kathy says. "I found them convenient and found that they helped with my pain control. But in September of 2006, I experienced some upper back pain that went into my throat. I thought I was having a heart attack. I went to the hospital and they admitted me for unstable angina. That was a total shock to me. I had no cardiac history at all—I don't have any heart problems. For two days they monitored my heart. My blood pressure was 65/30, which is extremely low [120/80 is generally considered normal blood pressure, 90/60 is generally considered low blood pressure]. I feel it was probably related to the medication.

"It's kind of frightening that I wasn't aware of any leakage or anything but that's probably why my blood pressure was so low. I could have died from if. That's scary—it's really frightening that the patches may have precipitated the whole event."

Kathy is a former paramedic. She says that the low blood pressure is a side effect of the fentanyl and is certainly a side effect of an overdose. However, at the time she had no idea that the Duragesic Patches could possibly be defective and cause an overdose. She was kept on the patches until December 2007, when her medication was changed. Luckily, she has not had another incidence of low blood pressure since.

"I wasn't aware there was any problem," Kathy says. "It's really frightening that you could be overdosed like that. I understand there was a tear in the membranes that can cause people to overdose. That [fentanyl] is a serious medication. It's not to be played with at all."

Patients are now investigating the possibility of a lawsuit against the maker of the Duragesic Pain Patches, alleging the patches are defective, exposing patients to a risk of overdose of fentanyl. A fentanyl overdose can be fatal. As a result of the defect, the maker of the Duragesic Pain Patch has recalled the patches.

If you have used the Duragesic Pain Patch and have suffered any symptoms of an overdose, you may have used a defective patch. Symptoms of an overdose include difficulty breathing, seizures, weakness, coma, small pupils, tiredness and loss of consciousness. If you or someone you love has suffered these side effects, contact a lawyer, who can determine if you are eligible to join a class action lawsuit against the makers of the Duragesic Pain Patch.