NEWSBRIEF, Updated Oct. 28: The drug manufacturer Actavis has issued a voluntary recall of 18 lots of its Fentanyl pain patch, which some people use for fibromyalgia pain. You can see which lots are affected here: Fentanyl Recall Information.
The problem is that these particular patches may release medication faster than they're supposed to as approved by the U.S. FDA. So far, the company says it knows of no adverse reactions to the patches.
NEW INFORMATION: The recall is only to the wholesale/retail level, which means whatever is left on pharmacy shelves will be sent back, but the company isn't currently asking people to return them. However, according to information released by the American Pain Foundation, the company is willing to help you get replacement patches. Call 1-877-422-7452 for assistance.
In an email to its members, the APF says:
"Rapid absorption could lead to unintentional side effects such as increased sedation, nausea, vomiting and slowed breathing."
The APF also offers this advice:
- If you have problems with these patches, report them to the FDA's MedWatch program.
- Let the pharmacy where you got the affected lot know that you have them.
- Let the prescribing doctor know you're using a recalled patch and ask for guidance.
- Notify your insurance provider so a new prescription, if written, would be covered.
My personal concern about this recall is that people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome often have lower tolerance to drugs than other people. While this is only speculation, it seems logical that we could be more at risk for side effects from medication that's absorbed too quickly.
Do you have some of the recalled patches? What are you planning to do with them? Is this a medication that works for you? Leave your comments below!
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I had a rx for them, but even with insurance they were too expensive for me, thank goodness!!! I use Lidoderm now, but they don’t seem to do much good, and they don’t want to stay stuck in place.
I was put on Fentanyl patches this past February and nearly OD’d. My “pain in the ___” Dr. switched me to them from Vicodin and had me on the lowest dose. But by the time I was using the 3rd patch I couldn’t comprehend simple things, staggered & fell while walking and ended up violently vomiting for hours while laying on the bathroom floor. I had enough sense to remove the patch & it took my body DAYS to get rid of all of it. But I honestly believe if I had not removed it and had worn another one I would’ve had serious problems. This Dr. when told what happened was so caloused he said “Oh, well I don’t know what else we can use. I CAN NOT GIVE YOU ANYTHING STRONGER!!” Like I was asking for THAT?! I told him I thought I overdosed and hated the way it made me feel.
If this Dr had listened to me instead of inferring what he “thought” he heard maybe the Fentanyl mfg co. had an issue back then that could’ve been averted. OR if this is from Fibro patients having a lower drug tolerence it needs to be addressed before there are drug overdoses or accidents from Fibro patients driving. I personally have had a low tolerence to med for decades. I’ve always taken 1/2 the recommended dose of OTC meds.
Thanks Adrienne for always keeping us up to date!
I use the 50 mcg fentynal patch by Watson and it helps me so much for fibromyalgia. I cannot use the Sandoz brand of fentynal as it made me short of breath. So it really depends on which brand you use.