What is Actiq?

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Actiq (known generically as a form of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate), is a maximum strength pain narcotic containing fentanyl, a schedule II controlled substance. The drug was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used in cancer patients who suffer intense pain that the use of other narcotics will not relieve. Produced and marketed by Cephalon Inc., sales of Actiq reached over $470 million in the first nine months of 2005. A dosage of Actiq is a berry-flavored, white lozenge on a stick which is swabbed between the cheek and gums to release the medication quickly into the bloodstream. It has been available commercially in the United States since 1999.

Update: Our firm is only accepting Actiq overdose cases. If a friend or loved one has suffered from an unfortunate Actiq induced overdose related death, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help.

Actiq is only intended for use in cancer patients suffering breakthrough cancer pain who tolerate opiates well. It has also been used for the treatment and pain management for those suffering severe back pain, bone injuries, migraines, arthritis, and other types of moderate to severe chronic pain. The most common side effects observed in clinical trials were nausea, hot flashes, dizziness, constipation, and dry mouth. The most serious adverse effects with this class of medications are respiratory depression, circulatory depression, hypotension, and shock. The standard dosage is strong enough to kill a child and is shaped like a lollipop besides, so great care must be taken to keep Actiq out of the reach of children.

Despite the fact that the only approved Actiq use is to be prescribed as a pain reliever for cancer patients, reports indicate that less than 1% of Actiq prescriptions are ordered by cancer specialists. Data gathered from a network of doctors between June of 2005 and October of 2006 has suggested that close to 80% of the patients taking the drug do not have cancer. Instead, it has been prescribed “off-label” to treat conditions ranging from migraines to back pain. Off-label prescriptions are prescriptions written for uses other than the FDA approved use. The FDA maintain strict regulatory programs to manage the distribution of medications, but off-label prescribing can thwart drug safety efforts by placing the medication into the hands of many more people than originally intended. Off-label prescriptions can also have a higher incidence of adverse side effects that can possibly be deadly.

The drug manufacturer, Cephalon Inc., has been under investigation by the Connecticut attorney general for the last two years, allegedly for engaging in questional or unethical practices to expand the sale of Actiq. Cephalon Inc. is accused to promoting Actiq off-label to specialists other than oncologists, as well as hosting small studies in an effort to have Actiq approved for migraine relief. A spokesman for Cephalon has stated that Cephalon is voluntarily cooperating with the investigation and will continue to do so until the investigation is completed.

The active ingredient in Actiq, fentanyl, is a highly addictive drug that is 80 times more potent than morphine. This creates a high potential for abuse and more than likely will kill those who overdose on it. Actiq has become one of the narcotics of choice among recreational drug users and has earned the nickname “perc-o-pop” on the streets of the United States. It has been reported that 127 deaths have occurred in patients taking Actiq and an additional 91 serious injuries ranging from respiratory distress to severe dehydration have also been reported to the FDA.

Do I have an Actiq Lawsuit?

The Defective Drug Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus exclusively on the representation of plaintiffs in Actiq lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new Actiq cases in all 50 states.

Attention Attorneys: We do not publish prior verdict/settlements. If you are an attorney and would like to refer us a case or for us to send you a profile of prior award judgments or average referral fees, please visit the attorney referral section of our website.

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