Drug Recalls

Due to the increase and severity of prescription medication recalls and deaths, Messa & Associates would like to educate our clients on some useful tips and information that could help save the life of you or a loved one. We ask with much consideration and respect that you take this matter very seriously, and please contact someone at our offices if you have any questions or concerns.

One of the most recent drug recalls was 50 microgram/hour DURAGESIC CII patches, sold by Pricara,a division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals. This patch is used to manage persistent moderate to severe chronic pain that needs to be treated around the clock. The result of this patch is possible release of "fentanyl gel" from the gel reservoir into the pouch in which the patch in packaged, exposing patients or caregivers directly to fentanyl gel. Exposure to fentanyl gel may lead to serious adverse events, such as respiratory depression and possible overdose, which may be fatal. Anyone using these patches need to check the package to see if it is the the recalled product.

Another more serious drug recall handled by Messa & Associates was with Children's Motrin, and the effects it had a nine-year0old little girl in 1996. She was taken to her pediatrician who prescribed newly available over-the-counter Children’s Motrin, which she continued to take for a week. She eventually developed hundreds of tiny blisters on her face, ears, and throat, and burning of her corneas. She was taken to Boston Children’s Hospital where she was diagnosed with Vanishing Bile Duct Syndrome (VBDS), Erythematic Multiform (EM), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). The now twenty-one-year-old is currently on the waiting list for a second liver transplant because her condition continues to deteriorate.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a similar incident, please contact someone at Messa & Associates at 215.568.3500. For more information on drug recalls, please visit Messalaw.com or FDA.gov.