Some Fibromyalgia Sufferers Using Powerful Fentanyl Painkiller Patches
By Jim Greene
Published on December 21, 2009
Some fibromyalgia patients seeking relief of chronic pain and the depression that often comes with it are turning to the fentanyl transdermal patch, which delivers a powerful pain killer through the skin. The patch is currently the subject of a number of lawsuits blaming it for injury or death of patients using it.
Fibromyalgia causes inflammation and loss of function in joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Primary symptoms are pain in the affected areas and fatigue. It may also lead to depression and social isolation. Pain treatment usually begins with common over-the-counter analgesics, but may advance to prescription medications as symptoms worsen.
Fentanyl is a Powerful Painkiller
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid pain inhibitor normally prescribed for those who have already developed opioid tolerance that renders other medications ineffective. Fentanyl patches are marketed under the trade name Duragesic® by a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson; a generic version is marketed by Sandoz.
The benefit of a fentanyl patch is the delivery of pain killer directly into the blood stream without going through the gastrointestinal system, thereby avoiding nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps that are caused by oral ingestion.
Fentanyl has some drawbacks. It is very powerful and can be highly addictive. Since its effects can vary widely from one patient to another, careful monitoring by a qualified health professional is vital.
Lawsuits Claim Improper Instructions Lead to Problems
Plaintiffs in many of the lawsuits against makers of the fentanyl patch say the usage instructions are not specific enough to prevent accidental overdosing. In one case, a 15-year-old for whom opioids had not previously been prescribed was given a patch for pain from the extraction of four teeth. He went to bed with the patch on and was found dead in the morning.
If you or someone you love has suffered from improper administration of a fentanyl patch, contact an experienced defective products personal injury attorney right away. You deserve compensation for the financial obligations you will be facing.
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