Signs of a Fentanyl Overdose

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An overdose of fentanyl or Duragesic pain patches is extremely serious. The misuse of this drug can lead to severe health complications including death. Overdoses are most likely to happen at the beginning of fentanyl treatment, following an increase in dosage, or when fentanyl or Duragesic are combined with other narcotics.

Free Fentanyl Patch Case Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been injured or suffered an overdose from a defective fentanyl patch, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help.

What’s the problem?

Fentanyl is an extremely powerful synthetic opioid. Its common use is to treat severe chronic pain, sometimes known as “breakthrough pain,” for which lesser painkillers are ineffective. Doctors often prescribe fentanyl to cancer patients. However, for those who are not conditioned to narcotic pain medications, the risk of a fentanyl overdose is a serious one.

Authorities first began to notice an increase in fentanyl overdoses in Chicago in 2005, and by the following year intensified activity was seen in other metropolitan communities across the country as well. Illegally made versions of the drug are sold in powder form and often are mixed with cocaine or heroin, sometimes unbeknownst to users. The narcotic is considered 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin.

Fentanyl Overdose Side Effects

The potential side effects of fentanyl vary in severity, but can include:

• Slowed heartbeat
• Slowed breathing
• Pinpoint pupils
• Cold, clammy skin
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Skin rash
• Itching
• Blisters
• Swelling
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Upset Stomach
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Difficulty urinating
• Hyperventilation

If you believe someone you know has overdosed on Duragesic patches or fentanyl, it is imperative to seek emergency medical attention as quickly as possible. Fast thinking can help prevent severe consequences such as unconsciousness and even death. If you are concerned about an overdose at all, contact a medical professional. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Do I have a Fentanyl Patch Lawsuit?

The Product Liability Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus exclusively on the representation of plaintiffs in fentanyl patch lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.