Use of the Duragesic pain patch can lead to a potentially fatal overdose and other serious side effects, warned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July 2005. At that time, the agency said it was investigating at least 120 deaths possibly caused by the dangerous patch. The history of Duragesic, however, extends as far back as 1990 when it first received FDA approval.

Janssen, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, began marketing the Duragesic pain patch more than 15 years ago. Over the years, the company has made numerous claims about the safety of the patch, including the relatively low risk of abuse and harmful side effects. Such claims were patently overstated, according the FDA.

About Duragesic

The Duragesic pain patch contains as its active ingredient the potent narcotic fentanyl, which, like other narcotics, is highly addictive. The fentanyl is delivered through the transdermal Duragesic patch in a continuous dose over a three-day period to help manage moderate to severe chronic pain that is unresponsive to other painkillers or that requires round the clock treatment.

Duragesic is one of Johnson & Johnson’s top-selling drugs with more than 80 million patches sold each year. In 2005 alone, it brought in nearly $2 billion in sales. It was in 2004 that the FDA began to question the safety of the popular pain patch.

Duragesic and the FDA

In June 2005, doctors began receiving warning letters from the Johnson & Johnson subsidiary that manufactures the Duragesic patch. The letters warned that a number of individuals accidentally exposed to Duragesic—either by touching or sitting on the patches—suffered serious medical problems including death.

One month later in July, the FDA announced that it was looking into reports of serious Duragesic side effects, including 120 deaths. The agency specifically warned of the risk of fentanyl overdose with the Duragesic patch, stating that alcohol, heat, and certain medications all increase the risk of overdose.

The FDA also warned of other dangers associated with the pain patch, including depressed respiratory functioning, low blood pressure, coma, addiction and withdrawal.

The First Duragesic Trial

In the first Duragesic lawsuit to go to trial, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay nearly $1 million in damages. The jury deemed Duragesic responsible for the death of a woman who died after a defective patch released a lethal dose of fentanyl into her system. At least 100 other Duragesic lawsuits are currently awaiting trial.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury because of the Duragesic pain patch, it is important to ensure that your legal rights are protected. You may be eligible to seek compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. Please contact us today for a FREE consultation with one of our caring and competent personal injury lawyers who can help you seek the justice you deserve.