Defective medical device Duragesic pain patch can kill with fentanyl overdose

Americans who suffer chronic pain and turn to relief from a Duragesic pain patch may suffer even more as a result. That's because some such pain patches are defective, allowing a powerful narcotic called fentanyl to leak through and give the sufferer an overdose. Such an overdose can be highly addictive and highly damaging and even can cause death.

In the event that you or a loved one has suffered due to this defective medical device, you are legally entitled to financial compensation for your losses, including medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Alert an experienced Duragesic pain patch lawyer for support in a Duragesic pain patch lawsuit aimed at the negligent manufacturers whose errors caused harm to you or a loved one.

Ideally, a Duragesic pain patch, when placed on the skin, should administer small, steady doses of pain-killing fentanyl over a three-day period. However, when such patches have defects, including a fold-over defect, they can supply the body with far more fentanyl far faster than what is needed and prescribed. (Such pain patches are available by prescription only, and not sold over the counter.) When this occurs, the patient is in extreme danger. In fact, literally hundreds of people across America have died due to defective Duragesic pain patches.

Side effects of fentanyl include nausea, vomitting, sweating, fatigue, weakness, confusion, constipation and dry mouth. Such effects do not necessarily accompany a fentanyl overdose, but can manifest themselves after routine and proper use of fentanyl. However, when too much fentanyl is administered, side effects can become more severe, including seizures, loss of consciousness, a lowered heartbeat, slower breathing and clammy, cold skin.

Persons who show such symptoms should get immediate medical attention. This is a very serious malady and can prove fatal. Afterward, victims of a fentanyl overdose via a defective Duragesic pain patch should consult with a knowledgeable Duragesic or fentanyl pain patch lawyer for support in a legal action. Negligent manufacturers can be held accountable for the design flaws which lead to injuries and deaths among those using their defective medical devices such as a Duragesic pain patch.