Generally speaking most of us have used a patch in one form or another, maybe a nicotine patch to aid in a smoking cessation program, maybe a birth control patch to aid in contraception, or maybe more commonly an over the counter Icy-Hot patch for the temporary relief of an ache or muscular pain. All of them, for the most part, are used without any issues, so when a physician prescribes a patient a painkiller patch it may not quite register that the relief we are seeking can lead to addiction or even death.
When applying these painkillers patches the process itself is very much the same as other patches not in the same class as these are, one applies the patch to ones skin and the result should be temporary pain relief that could last usually 12 or 24 hours depending on the prescription and potency of such prescription.
The effects in some patients are dizziness, sleepiness, drowsiness, nausea, constipation, just to name a few. Other than the potential side effects the application in of itself is very much the same as any other over the counter patch with a substantial difference being death. When one applies these painkiller patches the last thing on a patients mind is the fact that it may be their last application because death could be the result of such an innocent act as just applying a patch.
But the truth is that death could very much become a reality, of course addiction is also a great side effect to be aware of when applying these painkiller patches, it maybe that some patients are mislead by a certain false sense because they are not ingesting a pill or capsule, in fact it could not be further from the truth as these painkiller patches have proven to be as dangerous, if not more so, than other prescription painkillers taken in a pill form, such as Percocet, Vicodin, OxyContin, Morphine Sulfate, just to name a few.
This false sense of security is typically the difference between life and death. Now to add to a patients false sense of security, add the fact that some of these painkiller patches have been known, either through damage or manufacturer defect, that leaks can (and do) occur and a patient will find themselves with the prospect of an almost certain overdose. But other than the basic care to be exercised, such as how and when to apply the patch, most physicians will not typically mention the propensity for these patches for addiction or even death.
There needs to be awareness that in most instances, in order to protect their well being, questions need to be asked, individuals and companies irresponsibly have to be made accountable for their actions, the way to do that is through attaining justice through the legal system, that they be held accountable.
The legal system is a complicated venue to face alone, but with our assistance you will certainly never feel like you are in it alone. The Fort Lauderdale accident attorneys of Madalon Law fight for the rights of the injured throughout the State of Florida. Contact us for your free consultation.