FDA Alerts on Duragesic Pain Patches

In February 2004, Janssen Pharmaceutica Products recalled one lot of Duragesic patches after determining that a percentage of patches in the lot might leak medication along one edge. For this initial recall, only one lot (75 mcg/hour patches, control number 0327192, exp. 10/05) was affected. Physicians and pharmacists were instructed to cease the distribution of this lot number and patients were told to take their existing Duragesic patches to the pharmacy to be exchanged for unaffected patches.

Shortly thereafter, Janssen expanded their drug recall to include four additional lots. These potentially harmful lots are also of the 75 mcg/hour dose and have the following control numbers: 0327193 (exp. 10/05), 0327294 (exp. 11/05), 0327295 (exp. 11/05), and 0330362 (exp. 12/05). Janssen informed the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) about this serious recall decision. At this point in time, there are a total of five lots of Janssen's Duragesic patches being recalled due to potentially life threatening flaws.

If you or someone you care about were prescribed Duragesic and currently have a stock of 75 mcg/hour patches with the affected control numbers (0327192, 0327193, 0327294, 0327295, or 0330362), speak with your doctor immediately. Nobody deserves to suffer the serious consequences of being administered prescription drugs of poor quality. If you have been affected by the FDA alerts on Duragesic pain patches, do not hesitate to seek appropriate medical attention. It could make the difference between life and death.