Johnson & Johnson officially recalled their Duragesic Pain Patches as of February 13, 2008. Unfortunately, this recall comes after hundreds have already lost their lives. Are you currently wearing a Duragesic Pain Patch, here is what you need to know about removing is safely and ensuring that you are healthy.

The problem with the Duragesic Pain Patch deals with the substance fentanyl, which is a very strong pain-reliever. The patches are sealed incorrectly along one edge, allowing the fentanyl to leak out, creating an overdosing situation. Are you currently wearing a Duragesic Pain Patch? Follow these steps:

• Call your doctor to see if you patch was one of those affected by the recall.
• While wearing rubber gloves, remove the patch.
• Wash the area and your hands with water. Do not use soap.
• Discard the patch according to your doctor's directions.
• Replace the faulty patch with a patch from a new prescription.

If the medication leaks from the patch, you may experience nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, high blood pressure, vision problems, and other medical problems. In addition, if the fentanyl touches your skin, you may experience a rash. If you're feeling any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Remember, you have legal rights if you were put at risk due to using a Duragestic Pain Patch from Johnson & Johnson. Although not everyone has been affected by this recall, many people were harmed - some even died - due to negligence on the part of the pharmaceutical company. Contact Anapol Schwartz today to learn about your legal rights.