PriCara, a division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has voluntarily recalled all lots of 25 microgram/hour (mcg/hr) Duragesic (fentanyl transdermal system) patches sold by PriCara in the United States. The company has also voluntarily recalled all 25 mcg/hr fentanyl patches sold by Sandoz Inc. in the United States as a precaution from wholesalers and pharmacies.

The recalled patches all have expiration dates on or before December 2009, and all are manufactured by Alza Corporation, an affiliate of PriCara. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. All 25 mcg/hr fentanyl patches manufactured by Alza and sold in Canada also are being recalled.

Why are the patches being recalled?
The Duragesic 25 mcg/hr and Sandoz Inc. 25 mcg/hr patches being recalled may have a cut along one side of the drug reservoir within the patch. The result is possible release of fentanyl gel from the gel reservoir into the pouch in which the patch is packaged, exposing patients or caregivers directly to fentanyl gel.

Fentanyl patches that are cut or damaged in any way should not be used. Exposure to fentanyl gel may lead to serious adverse events, including respiratory depression and possible overdose, which may be fatal.

Anyone who comes in contact with fentanyl gel should thoroughly rinse exposed skin with large amounts of water only; do not use soap. Immediately dispose of affected patches with cut edges by flushing them down the toilet, using caution not to handle them directly. Patches with a cut edge that have leaked gel will not provide effective pain relief.

Other strength patches (12.5, 50, 75 and 100 mcg/hr) are not affected by this recall.

What should you do?
Anyone who has 25 mcg/hr Duragesic or Sandoz Inc. fentanyl patches should check the box or foil pouch for the expiration date to see if they have patches that are being recalled.

The recalled patches all have expiration dates on or before December 2009. The cut edge in affected patches can be seen upon opening the sealed foil pouch that holds the patch. Affected patches should not be handled directly.

• Anyone with 25 mcg/hr Duragesic patches being recalled should call (800) 547-6446.
• Anyone with 25 mcg/hr Sandoz Inc. patches being recalled should call (800) 901-7236.

The Duragesic web site has a Question and Answer section for more information about the recall. Patients using fentanyl patches who have medical questions should contact their health care providers.

For more information, visit www.Duragesic.com.