Actiq???

[Storm007]

Are you out of your mind?
I have The most painful conditions known to man.
I do not care how much or what opiates one has to take,but Actiq is something that should have NEVER been approved by the FDA.
You want to wind up like meth addict?
Please Never touch that drug!!!  Storm


This discussion is related to fentanyln patch.

[sandee1818]

Are you responding to a post that someone made regarding Actiq?
There are many different narcotics for pain control that are made and prescibed and everyone who takes them reacts differently. I am sorry as it sounds like you have had a very bad experience with this certain medication but there are those who do take it and it works for them. If we were to try and ban each drug that affected us adversely then there would be none left as I said they all react differently for different people.
There are many different types that are made for pain management. You just have to keep trying until you find the one that is right for you personally.

[kolo13]

Wow, thanks storm. I had never heard of this before. I see that the manufacturer recommends this only for extreme breakthrough pain in terminal cancer patients, preferably in a hospice type situation. It is attached to an unbreakable handle so they can pull it back out of your mouth if you overdose

[Mollyrae]

I must add that this pain reliever is basically used for cancer patients. It is RARELY used for any other condition. At one point I had discussed this with my Doctor and he said that the only time it is really prescribed is at stage 4 cancer. Most Pharmacys don't even carry it and has to be picked up at the Hospital.

Sorry for your experience........
Molly

[Tuckamore]

Hello Storm,

Are you attempting to post a warning? I am sorry that apparently you had such a horrid experience with it.  

Actiq is a solid formulation of fentanyl. Used in the right situation and circumstances it is an excellent drug for terminal illness and pain.

All of us should research the medication and read the information provided us by the pharmacy before we decide to take any medication. In my opinion we all hold some responsibility for the drugs we ingest. Know what you are putting in your system before you take anything. I have refused medications that were suggested by my physician. We all need to educated our self regarding a prescribed medication before we take them.

Just my thoughts,
Tuck

[SHANNONINPAIN]

I AM ON ACTIQ RIGHT NOW.  WENT TO MY PAIN DOCTOR IN OCTOBER WHO SWITCHED TO FROM THE MILITARY.  
HE THEN INFORMED ME THAT HE WOULD HAVE TAKE A SPECIAL CLASS TO BE ALLOWED TO PRESCRIBE ACTIQ LOLLIPOPS.  IS THIS TRUE?  DOES ANYONE KNOW?  I LIVE IN KENTUCKY.
I WAS ON 3200 MG (800 MG X 4).  NOW HE WANTS TO DROP IT TO 1 PER MONTH TO NONE IN JANUARY.
THE PAIN IS SO SEVERE AND I AM STILL ON 3. WHAT CAN I DO?  WHAT OTHER MEDICINES ARE THERE?  I HAVE SEVERE BREAKTHROUGH PAIN AND AM ON OTHER MEDICINES FOR DAILY PAIN.  I NEED SOMETHING FOR SEVERE BREAKTHROUGH.  I NEED TO BE ON SOME TYPE OF CHRONIC BREAKTHROUGH MEDICINE.
MY DOCTOR HAS NOT SUGGESTED ANY OTHER MEDICINE AND DOES NOT SEEM TO CARE.  DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.  IN THE MEANTIME NEED SOMEONE TO SUGGEST WHAT I DO.
I AM ON ONPANA IR AND SOMETHING FOR ANXIETY.  I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO DO.  I USED TO LIVE AT THE HOSPITAL AND DON'T WANT TO GO BACK TO THAT.  MY HUSBAND IS OVERSEAS WITH THE ARMY AND I HAVE NO ONE TO ASSIST.  THINGS HAD BEEN GOOD UNTIL RECENTLY.  DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO AND CAN'T LOOSE THIS MEDICINE.
IF ANYONE CAN HELP, IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.  IF ANYONE KNOWS ANYTHING ABOUT THIS TEST, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
DON'T HAVE CANCER BUT HAVE SEVERAL OTHER PAINFUL DISEASES AND AM ON DISABILITY.
FROM
SHANNON IN PAIN

[justdoit58]

Wow some people...come on now.Thank you Tuck  and Sandee. I have had 2 brain tumors,lupus,and more surgeries in my life than most would seen in a million years.I currently  have an inoperable brain stem brain tumor that causes a host of problems,if it were not for the relief of my breakthrough pain from Actiq,I would have no quaility of life at all.Now tell me that it's fair that,"insurances do not want to cover Actiq if the tumor isn't cancer related?Cancer or not tumors invade tissues that cause  extreme pain.I agree not everybody reacts the same to meds and patients,and Drs have to be very careful.Shannon I know what you are going through,I am in the same position and it's not a pretty picture.I mean I am terminal,just like cancer patients,but they cannot do a biopsy on my brain tumor it would mean instant death.Some patients overdose no matter what they are on,and some Drs donot watch patients carefully enough,but it doesn't mean sick people should be discriminated against,or a good medicine like Actiq pulled off the market for others mistakes.People need to think more throughly before posts like Storm007.
                                                 justdoit58

[JadedSweetheart]

Just wanted to point out that this post is from 2009.  I've never heard of this med, but I would hate for anyone terminal or in extreme pain to be denied pain relief.
I'm very sorry for your situation, justdoit58, and I hope that you get all of the relief from this pain that is possible.

[Jaybay]

Actiq is a fentanyl lollipop.  It's the same medicine that is in the patch and is no better or worse than any other opiate.  It's in lollipop form so it can dispense faster for breakthrough pain and is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.  Because of the instant release, it's more attractive to abusers than the patch, which is one reason it's so tightly regulated.  

There's a place for Actiq in pain management just like any other medication.  I'd hate for anyone reading this thread to automatically turn it down if it's needed.  It's too easy to take these kinds of individual anecdotes as the gospel truth, so keep plenty of salt grains available while you read and listen to your doctor.