Methadone Treatment News
Fentanyl Deaths Probed by FDAThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is looking into deaths among patients using a transdermal-patch version of the drug fentanyl, a powerful painkiller, the Associated Press reported July 15, 2005.
The FDA warned the public to follow directions carefully when using fentanyl patches; the agency is investigating 120 deaths linked to use of the drug, and says at least some of those deaths were the result of accidental overdoses.
The new FDA patient-information sheet on fentanyl states that the drug can cause breathing problems and urges patients to get help if they experience severe drowsiness or slowed breathing, feel faint or dizzy, or have other unusual symptoms. The drug also should only be used by patients who suffer constant pain and have developed a tolerance to other opiate drugs.
Users also are warned to dispose of used patches carefully, not in garbage cans accessible by children.
While fentanyl can be abused, the FDA is primarily looking into deaths related to legitimate use of the drug.
Source: www.jointogether.org |
