Actiq
Generic Name:
Fentanyl citrate (transmucosal)
Brand Names:
Actiq
Actiq Description:
Actiq is a treatment for breakthrough cancer pain in cancer patients 16 years of age and older. The medication is only prescribed to patients who are already taking opioid pain medications in the management of constant cancer pain. Actiq should never be used in patients who are not opioid-tolerant, and should never be used to provide short-term relief or post-surgical pain.
Actiq is supplied in the form of a swab that is applied to the buccal mucosa, or the area between the cheek and gum. Actiq dissolves slowly in the mouth to provide pain relief from sudden pain episodes.
A Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act, Actiq has a potential for abuse and addiction similar to other opioid agonists.
Actiq Side Effects:
If Actiq is used in patients who are not opioid-tolerant or if too much Actiq is used, serious side effects and life-threatening breathing complications can occur. Contact a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme drowsiness with slowed breathing
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Shallow breathing
For more information, see our Actiq side effects page.
Actiq Uses:
Actiq is prescribed to treat breakthrough pain associated with cancer in patients who are opioid-tolerant. Breakthrough pain occurs frequently in cancer patients and is characterized by severe and intermittent flares of pain despite the use of other pain medications. Actiq is used to relieve pain when an episode of breakthrough pain is experienced.
Actiq Interactions:
Tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications you may be taking along with Actiq, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. The following drugs should not be taken in combination with Actiq, as interactions may occur:
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- Anxiety medications
- Other pain medications
- Sleeping pills
- Tranquilizers
Actiq Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Actiq is available in various strengths, including 200, 400, 600, 800, 1200, and 1600 mcg. Actiq is generally prescribed to be taken as one unit when an episode of breakthrough pain is experienced. Each unit should be consumed over a 15-minute period. If breakthrough pain is not relieved after 15 minutes, one additional dose may be taken. Patients should then wait 4 hours before taking any more units. Actiq use should not exceed 4 total units per day.
Missing a Dose of Actiq
If you miss a dose of Actiq, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule.
Actiq Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medication. Signs of overdose include:
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme drowsiness with slowed breathing
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Shallow breathing
Actiq FDA Approval:
November 4, 1998
Actiq Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There is a Black Box warning on Actiq concerning substitution, abuse potential, indication, contraindications, and the risk of fatal child poisoning.
Actiq should never be substituted for other fentanyl products such as Fentora, as this could result in a fatal overdose.
Actiq is a Schedule II Controlled Substance and has the potential for abuse and addiction.
Actiq should only be used for the management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients who are already receiving and are tolerant to opioid therapy for cancer pain. Opioid tolerance is defined as taking at least 60 mg of morphine per day, at least 25 mcg transdermal fentanyl per hour, at least 30 mg of oxycodone per day, or at least 8 mg of oral hydromorphone daily for a week or longer.
Actiq should not be to treat acute or postoperative pain.
The medication contained in Actiq can be fatal if ingested by a child. Keep Actiq out of the reach of children and discard opened units properly.
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