Fibromyalgia Patient is Injured by Pain Medication Complications

This case involves a patient in his late 30s who was undergoing treatment for fibromyalgia. He was prescribed multiple pain medications throughout the course of his treatment. One of the medications prescribed was a high dosage of Fentanyl. The patient started to complain of symptoms, including headaches and nausea, but was not further evaluated until the symptoms progressed. He was eventually diagnosed with heart damage due to the large amount of Fentanyl that he was given in a single dose.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Are you familiar with Fentanyl?

2. What are the indications for prescribing it?

3. What possible complications can occur with Fentanyl?

Expert Witness Response E-094782

I have familiarity with Fentanyl. Indications for prescribing Fentanyl include severe cancer pain in opioid-tolerant patients. Potential complications include respiratory depression, hypotension, circulatory depression and shock. Other less severe side effects are similar to any opioid.

Expert Bio

This board-certified expert earned his MBBS from Delhi University, and completed a Residency in Anesthesiology from Delhi University. He then went on to complete an Internship, a second Residency, and a Fellowship in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine from Wayne State University. He is active in his field as a member of several professional organizations, such as the American Academy of Pain Medicine, the Society of Pain Practice Management, the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, and the American Society of Anesthesiology. He contributes to research in his field with nine 9 peer-reviewed publications and one book chapter. Formerly, he was a Pain Management Specialist for Roger Williams Medical Center, as well as an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology for the University of Florida. This expert is currently an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology for a regional medical university.