Do you suffer from migraines? Did your physician prescribe Zecuity patches manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals to treat your migraine pain? If so, contact your doctor immediately. The Food and Drug Administration issued a Safety Announcement on June 2, 2016 and the manufacturer followed that with notice to health care providers on June 10, 2016.
What Are Zecuity Patches?
Zecuity patches are prescribed to treat acute migraines. Teva Pharmaceuticals began marketing the patches in September 2015. The patches contain sumatriptan, a medication used to treat migraine headaches in adults. The patch is a delivery system for sumatriptan. Zecuity patches are a single-use, battery-powered patch that wraps around the upper arm or thigh. The patch should not be worn more than four hours.
Side Effects of Zecuity Patches
The Food and Drug Administration is currently investigating reports of dangerous and severe side effects associated with the use of Zecuity patches. A large number of patients have reported burns, scars, skin discoloration, blistering, severe redness, pain, and cracked skin where the patch was worn.
The FDA urged health care providers to advise patients complaining of severe pain where the patch is applied to remove the patch immediately. Doctors should discuss other formulations of sumatriptan or alternative medications with their patients. The FDA advises patients who experience moderate to severe pain to immediately remove the patch and notify their health care provider.
Drug Manufacturer Suspends Sale of Zecuity Patches
On June 10, 2016, Teva Pharmaceuticals notified health care providers to stop prescribing Zecuity patches and to advise patients to stop using the drug. In a letter to healthcare providers, Teva said:
“Subject: Voluntary suspension of the sale, marketing, and distribution of ZECUITY ® (sumatriptan iontophoretic transdermal system) due to reported cases of serious application site reactions.”
The health care provider letter instructs doctors to:
- Discontinue prescribing of ZECUITY.
- Instruct patients to discontinue use of ZECUITY and evaluate patients and application site reactions as needed.
- Inform your patients of the availability of Migraine Support Solutions 1-855-ZECUITY (1-855-932-8489) for information and instructions regarding the disposition of unused ZECUITY patches.
Continued use of Zecuity patches may result in serious injury.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Injured By Zecuity Patches?
If you used Zecuity patches and experienced adverse side effects, notify your physician immediately. You and your physician can discuss alternative treatments for your migraines. It is important to notify your physician to protect your health, find an alternate migraine treatment, and notate your medical record in case you file a claim against the drug manufacturer.
You should also file a report with the FDA. You can file a report online or call 1-800-322-1088 to request a form. Always keep copies of everything you send to the FDA for your records.
Your next step is to contact a New Orleans drug injury attorney. Our defective drug attorneys can evaluate your case and advise you of your legal rights regarding drug injuries. We are here to help you if you have been injured by a dangerous drug.
We Accept Defective Drug Cases Throughout The United States
The drug injury attorneys of The Olinde Firm represent clients throughout the United States. Contact our office at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.