Actiq

Actiq – Danger on a Stick

Actiq, a berry-flavored lozenge on a stick, may look and taste good, but it can be deadly. 

An extremely potent narcotic, Actiq has been associated with severe side effects and 127 deaths. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received reports of deaths linked to overdose or other misuse and two deaths involving young children who confused the drug for candy. The drug's manufacturer, Cephalon, Inc., has also reported an additional 91 serious, nonfatal injuries ranging from respiratory distress to severe dehydration.

Approved by the FDA for use only in cancer patients who suffer extreme pain that other narcotics don't relieve, Actiq is commonly prescribed “off-label.” This means, that doctors often prescribe the drug for non-approved uses such as headaches or back pain. In fact, some research shows that as many as 80% of Actiq prescriptions are for off label uses.

Off label prescribing can be dangerous, especially with a drug like Actiq, which has a high potential for abuse and may result in death for those who overdose on it.

Actiq contains fentanyl, a highly addictive substance that is about 80 times as potent as morphine. Fentanyl is listed in the same class of drugs as opium, cocaine, and methadone by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Note - Do not change medications without first consulting your doctor.

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