Los Angeles, CAA nationwide recall has been set in place for the allegedly harmful Duragesic Patch. The entire stock of PriCara's Fentanyl Transdermal System CII patches are a part of the recall, and all Fentanyl patches supplied by Sandoz, Inc. have been recalled as well. Patches from both divisions are 25 micrograms per hour in dosage. The recall is being implemented as a precautionary measure by pharmacies and wholesale companies. All patches that are a part of the recall will expire on December of 2009 or before that date. The patches were produced by the ALZA Corp., which is a company in partnership with PriCara. The company is adhering to a request of the Food and Drug Administration. The recall will also be effective for and Duragesic Patches issued by ALZA Corp. in Canada as well.
The recall is allegedly being precipitated due to a slit on one side of the drug supply is located inside of the patch. What is allegedly complicated about the situation is the patch may release Fentanyl gel from the supply into the pouch where the patch is packaged. This would put both caretakers and patients in direct contact with the gel. Fentanyl is allegedly a strong opioid, and contact with the gel may lead to complications of the respiratory system, chance of overdose, and depression. Some symptoms may allegedly pose a lethal risk to those that come in contact with Fentanyl.
It is being recommended that anyone sustaining direct exposure to Fentanyl thoroughly cleanse the area of exposure with water, do not use soap. If any compromised patches remain, they need to be disposed of by flushing them down the toilet and do not handle them. Any of the Fentanyl patches that have sustained a leak will become completely ineffective. Also, check the box for the expiration date on the side of the box or the wrapper of the patch itself. Use caution by disposing of any patches coming due. Any medical questions regarding the patches should be directed at physicians.
The Fentanyl/Duragesic patches are narcotic painkillers that people use to sustain relief at all hours of the day and night. Same type of relief cannot be garnered from other non-narcotic sources or combinations of narcotic and short acting pain relievers. Duragesic/Fentanyl patches were not designed for those experiencing a temporary pain situation such as aftercare for surgery, dental procedures, and short-term conditions. It is only for those who are in chronic pain on a consistent basis.
By Delsia Hartford 
