Actiq (oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate)

Class of Drugs: opioid analgesic

Manufacturer: Abbott Laboratories

Information on Patient Assistance program:
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance -1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) or
Abbott Laboratories
Patient Assistance Program
(800) 222-6885
Abbott Laboratories uninsured patient program is available to outpatients who do not have insurance reimbursement for prescriptions and are not eligible for governmental assistance programs. Assistance for Medicaid is available.

Description:  Actiq is in the form of a flavored sugar lozenge that dissolves slowly in the mouth. The design includes a handle that allows the unit to be removed from the mouth if signs of excessive opioid effects appear during administration

Ingredient: fentanyl citrate

Use: In addition to the drugs actually battling the disease, there also is help for patients in severe pain from cancer. FDA approved Actiq (oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate) in November 1998 as a treatment specifically for cancer patients with severe pain that breaks through their regular narcotic therapy. A narcotic more potent than morphine, Actiq is approved for patients already taking at least 60 milligrams of morphine per day for their underlying persistent cancer pain.

Warnings:
May be habit forming.
Actiq is indicated only for the management of breakthrough cancer pain in patients with malignancies who are already receiving and who are tolerant to opioid therapy for their underlying cancer pain. This product must not be used in opioid non-tolerant patients.
This drug contains medications in dosages that may be fatal to children. Keep both used and unused units out of reach of children.
Use of transmucosal fentanyl by nursing women is not recommended because of the possibility of sedation and/or respiratory depression in infants.

Side Effects:
Respiratory depression (hypoventilation) - There is a serious risk of respiratory failure if this drug is administered to a patient who has any pre-existing condition predisposing them to hypventilation.
This medication may produce bradycardia.

References: Actiq (oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate)

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This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice. All treatment decisions should be made with your team of medical professionals and prescriptions must be given by your doctor. See TERMS AND CONDITIONS.