Leslie from the Malecare Advanced Prostate Cancer On-line Support Group made a post today warning us that there have been significant malfunctions in fentanyl patches. Fentanyl patches are used to control severe pain, especially in men with very progressed advanced prostate cancer.
According to the information posted some of these patches are malfunctioning causing accidental overdoses. Over dose symptoms include excessive sedation, respiratory distress, shallow breathing, fatigue, sleepiness, confusion, dizziness, or fainting, and death.
Leslie then went on and reported some research she performed. She found that the “malfunction” is that some of the patches accidentally “leak” fentanyl when they’re not supposed to, delivering more than the prescribed dosage of the patch at certain times, causing overdose.
Please be cautious! Anyone using fentanyl patches must be alert to this possibility.
The FDA recommends the following if a patch leaks or is damaged in any way:
“The FDA advised that anyone who comes in contact with fentanyl gel should thoroughly rinse exposed skin with large amounts of water only; soap should not be used”.
The agency said patches that may be damaged or compromised in any way should be flushed down the toilet, using caution not to handle them directly.
She also shared a quote from the CBS News that gave her a chuckle but also made her aware of the extent of the problem:
“For some reason, fentanyl patches get recalled once or twice a year. If they come up with an airplane called Fentanyl patch, don&#