Months after an 8-month-old child survived an overdose, experts are warning parents and caretakers that medication patches should be stored and disposed of properly. The medication and residues on patches, even those that have been used, can be harmful to children exposed to them.
According to government records, at least four children have died and six have been hospitalized since 1997 after being exposed to just one type of transdermal drug, the fentanyl patch. In addition to widely used fentanyl patch, motion-sickness, Nitroglycerin, nicotine and birth-control patches can all sicken kids as well with injuries ranging from nausea, rapid breathing and weakness to seizures, life-threatening heart conditions or death.
Experts recommend patients who use medication patches and have children in their household or may have children visiting their homes consider taking extra precautions.
- Keep patches away from children, just as if they were drugs dispensed in pill or liquid form.
- Check after showering or changing clothes to make sure the patch is still in place.
- Keep careful track of patches as they are changed.
- For fentanyl and other dangerous drugs, the FDA specifically warns that used patches should be folded, sticky sides together, and flushed down the toilet.
- Less-dangerous patches should be folded together and sealed in child-proof container before being disposed with household trash.
Messa & Associates has pursued many cases involving injuries and death to children as a result of drugs and drug products. We combine our years of experience, thorough research and the knowledge of highly regarded experts to prepare these cases. For more information regarding drug patch safety or if your child has been seriously injured as a result of a drug patch, please contact us at 1-877-MessaLaw.
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