Fentanyl Lawsuit & News Blog

Duragesic Patch Recall

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:32:12 -0400

About 32 million of the fentanyl-containing Duragesic Pain Patches have been recalled by Johnson & Johnson because defects in the manufacture of the patch that could lead to accidental overdoses.

The patch is designed to treat moderate chronic pain. Its active ingredient, Fentanyl, a class II medication, has a high potential for abuse and overdose. The problem with the defective patch is that an edge of the product is sliced which could result in medication leakage and potential overdose. Fentanyl overdose symptoms include: trouble breathing or slow or shallow breathing; slow heartbeat; severe sleepiness; cold, clammy skin; trouble walking or talking; or feeling faint, dizzy, or confused. If these signs occur, patients or their caregivers should get medical attention right away.

Fentanyl and the Duragesic Pain Patch Recall

Tue, 8 Apr 2008 16:36:55 -0400

What made the Duragesic pain patch recall so serious was the fact that the product contained fentanyl which is a powerful opiate. Obviously, the body can only absorb so much of an opiate before it becomes toxic and this is why it is critical that no pain patch possess defects. Unfortunately, a number of these pain patches did include defects and had to be recalled after clear damage had occurred to the person using the patch. This is clearly a case of product liability and the reason why the company that produced the patch, Johnson & Johnson, has been held liable in a number of Duragesic pain patch recalls.

Arthritis and the Duragesic Pain Patch Recall

Mon, 7 Apr 2008 16:34:20 -0400

It is not easy to have to deal with arthritis as arthritis can make even the simplest of daily tasks next to impossible to perform. This is why those who do suffer from arthritis will seek relief from products such as the Duragesic pain patch. Of course, people expect relief and not serious complications and the Duragesic pain patch provided little comfort thanks in part to its seriously unsafe nature. While it is true that this product was recalled by the manufacturer the recall does not let the manufacturer off the proverbial hook as evidenced by the various lawsuits that have been filed as a result.

Seeking Counsel in the Fallout of the Duragesic Pain Patch Recall

Fri, 4 Apr 2008 14:11:29 -0400

If you are one of the unfortunate individuals who has suffered an overdose from taking the Duragesic pain patch then you are probably weighing your legal options; and quite well you should considering the fact that the risk the product presented to your health you should seek recourse for such a health risk. Thankfully, there are a number of attorneys who specialize in filing lawsuits based on Duragesic overdoses. If you are looking to file litigation on the subject then it is critical to seek an attorney who already has significant experience in the field. After all, you want to win your case do you not?

The Duragesic Pain Patch Recall

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 16:31:59 -0400

The concept of a pain patch was a truly unique and novel idea. Not unlike the nicotine patches designed to deliver nicotine in a transdermal method the Duragesic pain patch was designed to provide pain alleviating medicine through a patch affixed to the skin. This product, however, was not one without its problems as a number of overdoses were recorded in many who had taken the patch. Because of this a major product recall was initiated on the Duragesic pain patch with the intention of saving members of the buying public from suffering an accidental overdose due to use of the product.

New Hope Available for the Millions Suffering from Fibromyalgia Chronic Pain

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 19:03:49 -0400

Fibromyalgia or FM is a chronic pain condition characterized by generalized muscular pain and fatigue. Fibromyalgia typically involves pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons and related sleep and quality of life disturbances. Fibromyalgia is often misunderstood because its symptoms are quite common; however, medical studies have proven that fibromyalgia does indeed exist.

Kent Holtorf, M.D., medical director of the Holtorf Medical Group Center for Endocrine, Neurological and Infection Related Illness in Torrance, Calif., is advising a simplified treatment process that may help alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms. Dr. Holtorf found that the majority of fibromyalgia patients displayed abnormal adrenal function due to hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction and patients who were given cortisol as part of a multi-system treatment experienced significant improvement in their symptoms.

Fibromyalgia primarily affects women in their 30s and 40s. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) it is estimated that fibromyalgia affects about 2 percent of the U.S. population. Many physicians fail to accurately detect fibromyalgia.

Of the patients given cortisol as part of treatment protocol: 94 percent showed improvement by the fourth visit; -- 75 percent noted significant improvement; -- 62 percent reported substantial improvement; and energy levels and a general sense of well-being doubled by the fourth visit.

Cortisol has little or no associated risk like narcotic pain relievers.

see: http://sev.prnewswire.com/health-care-hospitals/20080319/DCW02219032008-1.html

Resources for Easing Pain

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:06:25 -0400

Chronic pain affects millions of Americans and can severely affect your quality of life. Pain is something that should be discussed with a health-care provider regardless of whether it is mild, persistent, sharp, or severe.

One technique in a clinical trial now is called TDCS or Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation which is a small electric current applied to your head that affects pain centers deep within the brain somehow muffling the perception of pain. So far the main side effect is scalp irritation.

Certain prescription medications that treat pain are known to be addictive. In cases of physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms occur when a substance suddenly is stopped. Tolerance occurs when the initial dose of a substance loses its effectiveness over time. Addiction and physical dependence often occur together. Opioids, including codeine, oxycodone and morphine, can be addictive.

Alternative and integrative treatments for severe pain are becoming more popular and should be integrated with conventional medical care.

see: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/21/eveningnews/main3858729.shtml

Non Drug Method for Chronic Pain

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:58:28 -0400

Chronic pain is a huge problem in today's society. A fairly new technique can ease the pain without pain drugs or surgery. The Graston technique uses stainless steel tools to loosen soft tissue tightness that can cause severe pain all over the body. The Graston technique can be used for plantar fasciitis, a painful swelling of the tissue under the heel. Jamie Howard of Dresher Physical Therapy is one of the few in this area certified in the treatment. She became a believer after nothing helped a nagging muscle injury.

"It was the only thing that would work out the tightness in my leg," said Jamie. When muscles, tendons, or ligaments are injured, they can heal haphazardly, with random scar tissue forming. The area can be tight, and painful. This non drug, non surgical technique breaks up those fibers and can smooth the tissue underneath. There are different stainless steel tools for different body parts such as one for the back or neck; one for carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis of the thumb.

The Graston technique has become a staple for pro sports trainers. There doesn't seem to be a downside for this technique except the healthcare professional administering it should be using the right tool and be certified or physical therapists Patients usually receive two treatments per week. On average, improvement is noticed after the third or fourth treatment, but therapists recommend 8-12 treatments for best results.

The cost is a little more expensive than a regular physical therapy session, but the Graston sessions are much shorter; each lasting only about 5-to-8 minutes. This sounds like a much better option than ongoing narcotic pain relievers. Perhaps it all boils down to what your insurance would rather pay for pharmaceutical drugs or physical therapy.

See: http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/health&id=6016526

Nagging Pain after Traumatic Injury

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:02:29 -0400

In a study published recently in the journal Archives of Surgery, researchers found 3,047 patients ages 18 to 84 from 14 states who survived an acute traumatic injury.

Surprisingly, more than 60 percent of these people still suffer significant pain a year after their traumatic injury in a car crash or other cause.

A year after the injury, 63 percent reported that they still experienced pain related to the injury, with most having pain in more than one region of the body.

On average, the patients said their pain ranged 5.5 on a 10-point scale, moderate to severe interference with daily activities.

The people sustained head injuries, broken limbs, chest or abdominal trauma and other injuries in motor vehicle crashes, falls, and other circumstances.

Pain was seen in joints and limbs, back, head, and neck. People in chronic pain are at a higher risk for depression and are unable to work or function normally.
Back pain is the leading cause of disability in Americans under 45 years old.

There are hundreds of thousands of people who have had traumatic injury when the focus has been the injury and the destruction of tissue and not the pain. In many instances, the injury heals and the pain persists. The pain needs to be addressed earlier not as an afterthought.

See: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080318/hl_nm/pain_trauma_dc_2

How Safe Are Narcotic Pain Relievers? Are You Addicted?

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:56:09 -0400

Chronic pain alerts us of problems in our bodies. Pain is one of the major reasons that people seek medical attention. Pain is like a flag waving to alert us that something is not right and needs attention. Pain is relative; one person's pain could be another person's minor inconvenience. Our bodies differ on how we react to pain but chronic pain lasts six months or longer.

One of the worst types of chronic pain comes from cancer pain. Chronic pain either will be caused from the cancer or from the treatment for cancer. Even p people who have been cured of cancer may still suffer from chronic pain. Cancer pain occurs when a tumor presses on body organs or nerves or when cancerous cells invade the body, its bones and organs. Chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation may also cause chronic pain.

While a small minority with cancer pain can use over the counter pain relief or some prescription medications like non steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs), the majority of cancer patients suffer moderate to severe pain and require prescription narcotic pain relievers. This class of drugs includes Duragesic pain patches, Actiq narcotic lollipops, Oxycodone, and Percoset to name a few.

Here is a brief description of some of the more popular narcotic pain relievers prescribed for cancer pain.

Duragesic pain patches are the brand name from Johnson & Johnson while fentanyl pain patches are the generic issue from Sandoz, Inc. Both are manufactured by the same company. Duragesic pain patches come in different strengths of 12, 25, 50, and 75 micrograms per hour. Currently there is huge recall because of leaking patches that can lead to respiratory distress and overdoses for both patients and their caretakers.

Actiq lozenge comes on a stick and at least two children have died from Actiq because it looks and smells like a lollipop. In 1998, the FDA approved the Actiq lollipop for treatment of cancer patients who experienced extreme pain. Unfortunately, today Actiq is prescribed off-label to thousands of people for non-cancer related pain. Actiq seems to be the drug of choice at raves and for abusers who want a narcotic high.

Oxycodone is considered as be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for, especially never to be shared or given to anyone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Stopping Oxycodone suddenly will cause the person to go through withdrawal symptoms which if not monitored, could be considered dangerous. Oxycodone can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Oxycodone is used to treat moderate to severe pain around-the-clock pain. Swallow the pill whole along with a glass of water which will release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Percocet is a narcotic analgesic used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Percoset contains two drugs, acetaminophen and oxycodone. Percocet can cause physical and psychological dependence when taken for long periods of time. Percoset is not recommended for people who have an addiction to alcohol or other drugs.

When taking narcotic drugs, patients run the risk of developing a drug dependence which means that you need more and more of the drugs in order to get the same effect. Narcotic drugs may cause constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth, difficulty urinating, and respiratory distress which could be fatal. Narcotic pain relievers are also subject to abuse and attract criminal activity.

If you or a loved one has experienced a personal injury or wrongful death caused from product negligence or medical malpractice (misdiagnosis or pharmaceutical prescription error), please contact the law firm of Anapol Schwartz to find out what your legal options are.