Pictures

Photo

Reuters Photojournalism

Our day's top images, in-depth photo essays and offbeat slices of life. See the best of Reuters photography.  See more | Photo caption 

Photo

Flooding in India

Heavy monsoon rains have swollen several rivers.  Slideshow 

Photo

Celebrity portraits

Up close and personal with famous faces.  Slideshow 

Sponsored Links

Officials issue warning over fentanyl patches

Related Topics

Thu Apr 19, 2012 6:54pm EDT

(Reuters) - U.S. health officials warned on Thursday about the sometimes deadly effect of overexposure to fentanyl painkiller patches, particularly for small children, saying at least 10 people have died and 12 hospitalized in the last 15 years.

In a safety alert, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said a majority of the 26 cases of accidental exposure to fentanyl observed since 1997 involved children below the age of two.

"(These incidents) reinforce the need to talk to patients and their families to make sure that these patches are stored, used and disposed of carefully," an FDA official said.

Makers of fentanyl patches include Mylan Inc and Watson Pharmaceuticals.

The FDA recommended keeping the patches out of the sight and reach of children and suggested patch-users cover the patch with an adhesive film to make sure it stays on the body.

(Reporting by Zeba Siddiqui in Bangalore; Editing by Tim Dobbyn)
Health
We welcome comments that advance the story through relevant opinion, anecdotes, links and data. If you see a comment that you believe is irrelevant or inappropriate, you can flag it to our editors by using the report abuse links. Views expressed in the comments do not represent those of Reuters. For more information on our comment policy, see http://blogs.reuters.com/fulldisclosure/2010/09/27/toward-a-more-thoughtful-conversation-on-stories/
Comments (1)
supercat4 wrote:
This is like deja vu all over again. I encourage anyone whose loved one is on this patch to be on your highest alert. My father died from an overdose of this patch, when it was recalled back in 2008. I am appalled this patch is under scrutiny once again. In 2008 that wasn’t the first recall on it either. Something needs to be done. These drug makers are producing fatal drugs and calling it medication. I hope this comment alerts at least one person to think twice about letting your loved one take this patch.

Apr 20, 2012 1:22am EDT  --  Report as abuse
This discussion is now closed. We welcome comments on our articles for a limited period after their publication.
See All Comments »