The opioid crisis is a growing threat to the happiness and lives of millions of Americans. Treating opioid dependence isn’t easy, as withdrawals symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and potentially life-threatening. Many people who want to treat their opioid dependence or who are in rehabilitation take a drug called methadone, which is a synthetic opioid.
Although methadone can be effective in helping patients overcome their opioid dependence while also managing their pain, it has serious side effects, complications, and injury risks of its own. In 2006, the FDA warned doctors, pharmacists, and patients that methadone can cause patients to experience slow and shallow breathing and changes in their heartbeats when used to manage pain. These are all potential signs of overdose, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
As with other types of opioids, finding the right dosage for patients is key for the drug to be used as safely as possible. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. Whether it’s due to pharmacy errors or doctors’ oversights, some patients end up taking doses that are far too large for their opioid dependence levels, putting them at high risk of a potentially fatal overdose.
At Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel, we’re working hard to hold the companies behind America’s opioid crisis responsible for their actions. But we also know that methadone can cause serious risks of its own. If you or someone you love was harmed by methadone, our drug injury lawyers want to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.