Actiq Fentanyl Lollipop

Actiq is a narcotic painkiller that looks like a lollipop. It is a berry-flavored lozenge on a stick, and contains the synthetic opioid, fentanyl, which is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine. In fact, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) lists fentanyl in the same class as powerful drugs such as opium and cocaine. Manufactured by Cephalon, Inc., this dangerous drug is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat “breakthrough pain,” flare-ups by cancer patients who are already taking narcotics in liquid or pill form to cope with chronic pain.

Due to its potency, Actiq has been linked to severe side effects and 127 deaths due to overdose or misuse. Cephalon, Inc., the manufacturer of the drug, also reported 91 nonfatal injuries that ranged from respiratory distress to severe dehydration.

The FDA approved Actiq for use only in cancer patients with severe pain. Unfortunately, many doctors have prescribed the drug for “off label” use, meaning non-approved use for everything from headaches to backaches.

If someone you care about has been taking Actiq and experienced adverse side effects, overdosed, or even died as a result, please fill out our Case Review Form to the right on this page for a free consultation.