Fentanyl Pain Patches Recalled by Watson Pharmaceuticals

One lot of Fentanyl painkilling patches is being recalled by Watson Pharmaceuticals because the patches may leak too much of the drug into the skin, causing breathing problems and possibly fatal overdoses in users.

Fentanyl is a narcotic painkiller that is more powerful than morphine used to treat cancer patients and others with severe, chronic pain that cannot be managed by opioids, non-steroidal analegesics, or other medications.

Watson has recalled one lot of its Fentanyl Transdermal System patches, which are designed to administer the drug at a rate of 100 mg per hour. Patches from lot number 145287A shipped to clients throughout the United States from April 2 to May 20, 2009 with an expiration date of February 2011 are included in the recall.

The recalled patches may be defective and leak fentanyl gel at a greater rate than designed, which can result in life-threatening complications in users, the company said.

Patients with the recalled Fentanyl Transdermal System patches in their possession should carefully examine the products and the packaging to see that the lot number and expiration date are not included in the recall. If your patches have been recalled, you should avoid handling or using them, as doing so may expose you to potentially life-threatening overdoses of fentanyl.

No related posts.