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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006 General Board Posts >> Fentanyl Patches Kens death
        
(Message started by: athos on Oct 14^th, 2006, 2:22pm)

Title: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by athos on Oct 14^th, 2006, 2:22pm

Dear friends

We recieved the results back from Ken olsens death. It was an accidental overdose from the fentanyl patches. This is very disturbing to me because we put Ken on the patches because it was understood to us that this could not happen. Ken had such pain that we tried everything, but I was always worried that he would take too much. Well it happened anyway!!

If you are using these patches...please be careful!! ask you doctor about this happening to you!! I pray it doesn't happen to anyone else!!

I pray for all of you and theis horrible ch stuff!!

Take care

Jody

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by LeLimey on Oct 14^th, 2006, 2:38pm

Jody I'm terribly sorry. Thank you for telling us though and for sharing the warning. I'm sure you weren't the only ones who thought they were fail safe.
Please stay coming to see us here
Thinking of you
Helen

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by BB on Oct 14^th, 2006, 2:41pm

Dear Jody,

I am so sorry to hear of Kens passing and the cause. Its so sad. I pray that you will find strength and solace. I also pray for Ken, may he rest in peace.

I thank you very much for posting the warning to help us and anyone who may be at risk. That is so caring and thoughtful of you.

This is why I am so passionate in speaking out about the caution needed when using any kind of treatments, the need to understand exactly what one is taking and the possible danger associated with it.

May God bless and protect us.

Annette

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by The mad viking on Oct 14^th, 2006, 3:32pm

Jody

I am so sorry for the loss of Ken.Huge hugs on the way

At the same time i will also say thanks for the honesty you show us by telling us what caused Ken`s death.
What you did is so in Kens spirit and end any speculation what so ever what happend

Its also a MAJOR warning to all of us that these or some of these meds we are using is really dangerous , and that we should be really careful with them

I thank you for that warning

*HUGS*

Svenn

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by mynm156 on Oct 14^th, 2006, 5:05pm

OMG! I am so sorry.

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by Carl_D on Oct 14^th, 2006, 8:36pm

on 10/14/06 at 15:32:34, The mad viking wrote:

I'm with Svenn on this. There are many meds and pain management systems that are not full proof, and some sustained release patches can release too much at once and become lethal. I am sorry to hear that Ken died from something that should of helped him with his quality of life.
I hope you and your family can find closure at this time, and blessings be with you and the kids.

Peace & Hugs,
Carl D

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by Ree on Oct 14^th, 2006, 10:46pm

thanks Jody for the heads up. Its nice that you are thinking of others, we know you have a lot on your mind right now... Gods love to you Ree

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by Carl_D on Oct 15^th, 2006, 12:31am

I just saw on Fox 2 news tonight they are going to be doing a upcoming report on Fentanyl patches, so Ken's apparently isn't an isolated incident.

Peace,
Carl

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by Pinkfloyd on Oct 15^th, 2006, 12:50am

Thank you for letting us know Jody.

I'm just speechless.

Bobw

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by Charlie on Oct 15^th, 2006, 11:56am

Svenn said it all.

So sorry but glad you took the time to post this, Jody.

Charlie

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by fubar on Oct 15^th, 2006, 12:42pm

I am saddened by Ken's passing, as is everyone here. Everybody here should take heed, ALL of these drugs are dangerous. We ingest inordinate amounts of chemicals in our fight to be pain free. We risk real complications... liver failure, ulcers, cardiovascular distress, and many other very common side effects of the many drugs we take. It is very sad when we see one of our own killed by the medicine he trusted to help him.

However, I am slightly surprised that *anyone* thought Fentanyl was 'harmless'. It is probably one of the strongest narcotics that can be delivered. It suppresses the body's respiratory system and overdoses are common in the hospital. The patch isn't any less dangerous than an injection just because the it delivers medicine through the skin. Dosage and respiratory function have to be monitored closely, no matter what. Anybody can put on too many patches, or become disoriented and forget they already have a patch on and subsequently overdose. It is an easy thing to do. This loss is very sad, but not that shocking considering why we are here in the first place.

I hope that didn't come across wrong. I'm just saying, Fentanyl is strong and patches don't make anything any safer. We need to remain vigilant no matter what drugs we are taking.

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by athos on Oct 15^th, 2006, 2:29pm

I need to let you know in reguards to the last post... Ken had only one patch on. He had only filled the prescription at 345pm and died at 930 pm the same day. This is what I do not under stand. He had no other drugs in his system. He had not had a prescrition for these for about three weeks. I kind of feel that maybe the combination of being utterly exhausted,() do to the death of his grandmother, he brought her home fromthe hospital to die at home with her family, he gathered and notified many people and the stress of gettting them there. He spent many nights in the hosptial watching over her.) and his pain and the patch!?!?!?! I don't know but I will never forget how horrible it was to find him!! I did not take offense but I wish I had been more educated about this "patch" that was supposed to help him.. May be just one is too much!?!?!?

Jody

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by purpleydog on Oct 15^th, 2006, 3:20pm

Jody, I am very sorry about Ken. I know you must miss him terribly.

Fentanyl patches come in different strengths: 25, 50, 75 and 100 mcg. They deliver, say, 25 micrograms per hour to a person through the skin, and last for 3 days for most people.

Fentanyl is indicated inn patients who are opioid tolerant, so they have already built up a tolerance to other narcotics in their system. If a person has been without any type of opioid pain meds for awhile, and then was prescribed fentanyl, and had used it in the past, but had been without for awhile, it is possible that it could build up in the system and cause problems, including overdose. The thing is, with fentanyl as a transdermal delivery system for the medication, it usually takes up to 24 hours to have the full dosage in the system. To achieve full pain relief.

Also, using things such as a heating pad, or taping over the patch to help keep it on in the shower, can cause more medicine to be delivered to the system than is normal.

We certainly do need to be vigilant, and be careful taking any kind of medication. We do use very strong meds with this condition, and we need to be aware of them, and have our families be aware too, so they can let us know of any changes, or possible side effects we may not be aware of.

May peace find you, Jody.

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by fubar on Oct 15^th, 2006, 4:35pm

Jody,

I certainly don't want to imply that Ken did something wrong, or you for that matter. Everything p-dog said is right, and the *doctor* ultimately makes the call on prescribing the meds. This is just one of those events that makes us all take pause and remind ourselves that we have to be extra careful, especially when taking the incredibly potent drugs that are sometimes prescribed. Ken is no longer in pain, and I covet the peace that he has found. I hope that you too can find peace somewhere in your grief. I've had my share of grief in the past couple of years...my twins died prematurely, and my 2 best friends died from terrible diseases. I can't say I know what you're going through, but I can thank you for posting here. Grief is an unpredictable animal, and the grip of grief can suffocate your will to live. Just like these headaches, the mantra "it will end" is about the only thing that gets me through it. Eventually, the grief loosens up his grip, but it never goes away completely. I suppose it's only right that the cost of never forgetting our loved ones is a some grief now and then.

-Fu

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by Tiannia on Oct 16^th, 2006, 12:19pm

Thank you Jody for posting this. Sometimes we need to remember just what we are giving our bodies.

I am on Fentanyl 25 patches. Besides the CH I have 4 disks that are degenerating, 2 of which are already leaking fluid into my spine. Because of these I have picnched nerves, that make it inpossible for me to twist of bend except forward, which really trips out doctors. I have been on the gambet of pain meds and was told 6 years ago that I will be on Pain management until my disks completly rupture. Then I will have surgery, but at 35 I really dont want to have surgery soon. At this time, I am on 25 Fentanyl patches, 500 mg Robaxin at night and 5mg oxycodine up to 6 aday. I dont take that much fot eh oxycodine, but when I am really hurting it is nice to have it. I have gone 4-5 days without changing it, but by that 5th day, I hurt so bad it is hard to breath.

I have only been on the patches for 8 months and when they gave it to me, they stated to be very careful and do not use a patch that is cut or tore at all as it can overdose and lead to death. But the pharmists did state that because I use the generic that I can use water proof sports tape to help it stay on if it starts to fall off. I dont seem to get the same relief from them if I have to use the tape. But I dont use it unless it has already released form the skin.

My husband has similar issues with his back, but he is on 50 Fentanyl patches, the robaxin and 10 mg lortabs, 3 times a day. He was on much higher doses and has busted his ass to get off the meds. They had him on Robaxin (15mg) 5 taimes a day and Soma (275mg) 3 times a day along with the patches. He is fighting with withdrawls pretty bad, but he is doing it and I am very very proud of him.

We have been able to get away from multiple doctors and only see our primary care doctor for our back, so that he is aware of everything that we are an. The only other doctor I see is my neuro, for the headaches. So that has been a blessing. That way there is no confusion on who is perscribing what.

Any additional info about the patches would be helpful.

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by nancyc on Oct 16^th, 2006, 4:48pm

So very sorry to hear of Ken's passing. I have been on the Duragesic patch for about three years now for my chs and neck degeneration. I am also a nurse. I have heard of some overdoses on them but not like this circumstance. You need to check into his Doctor and find out why he obviously had him on such a high dose cause I just cant believe he could have been on a 25 mcg. patch and overdosed unless he had other things going on like kidney or liver failure.... Please talk to his Doctor as something is definetly not rite here. You and yours will be in my prayers. God bless, nancyc

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by Darleen on Oct 16^th, 2006, 9:13pm

I can't add much to all the posts other than know I am very sorry and thank you so much for posting what you did. It certainly brings it to everyone's attention.

Dar :'(

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by Karla on Oct 16^th, 2006, 9:40pm

My pharmacist had told me that overdose was possible if the patch was cut on one end and to always observe the patch and make sure it is complete and not cut on one end. Because if it is cut it can leak out onto the skin and cause overdose. I was also told not to work out or exercise and get hot with the patch on because heat and sweat could cause the patch to release at a faster rate thus causing an overdose. Also one manufacturer told me not to put tape over the patch because it could cause overdose. The other manufacturer said tape was ok. I cant remember which one is ok and which one is not. One is made by Mylan and the other is Sandoz. You should call the company number in the leaflet if you use the tape with the product and ask if it is ok.

Thanks for the warning and heads up on the dangers of this product. I plan to talk to my dr in two days and see if there is anything I missed and should be cautious of.

I am so sorry for your loss. Ken was a good friend.

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on Oct 16^th, 2006, 10:17pm

There was a woman here that said her doc gave her 600mg suckers. I cant remember who that was, but I think it would be good if she read this.
Karla, you spoke with her too, do you remember who that was? it was prolly 6 to 9 months ago, you and I PM'd back and forth talking about it.

Thanks Jody. :'(

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by Cathi04 on Oct 17^th, 2006, 1:03am

Jody, I wish I could put my arms around you, but I'm afraid a hug would not compensate for your loss.
Thank you for sharing this info. Doesnt matter which one, durugesic or the fentanyl patch. A patch can be caused to release more than the hourly dosage, either intentionally or not. Ken was always cautious with his meds. Jody, I tend to agree with you. The stress and fatigue, brought on by the death of the grandmother he loved dearly took a huge toll on his body.
You are a brave, strong woman Jody. I wish you and Connor and Kira some peace in the knowledge you were all loved greatly.
Please keep dropping in here. It'll help us all.
Cathi :-/

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by georgej on Oct 17^th, 2006, 1:39am

Thanks for writing to us to let us know, Jody.

I'm so sorry for your loss. You've had a terrible time in the past few months--please continue to write, and let us know how you're doing as well. You're family, and we're here for you.

Best wishes,

George

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by Shaz on Oct 17^th, 2006, 11:10am

Jody.

There are no words that I can write, other than my thoughts are with you and I pray the pain will be bearable soon.

My condolences.

Shaz :-*

Title: Re: Fentanyl Patches Kens death
Post by DonnaHar on Oct 17^th, 2006, 11:21pm

Jody.....thank you for your unselfish gesture by posting this thread.

Three years ago, due to a severe back problem, I was put on Fentanyl patches (50's) after taking oxycodone for two monthes. My doc said it would be better to use the patch than oral pain relievers as they were systemic and the patch was not.

As time went on, the discs and spinal stenosis eased up and I was in less pain so I asked the doc if I could taper off by cutting the patches in half. He could see not problem with this, so I did that for a week and than just quit the patches.

Now I find out that by cutting them in half, I was allowing extra gel to ooze out onto my skin and I wonder why I was so blessed as to not have overdosed! This is a strong warning to everyone who uses the patches (or any meds) ....be smart and use them as directed.