Actiq lollipop is a part of Congressional inquiry
The makers of the Actiq lollipop pain medication are one of five pharmaceutical companies who received a letter from U.S. Congress Rep. Henry A. Waxman earlier this month, as part of his investigation into inappropriate marketing and incomplete research regarding drugs and medical devices. In recent months, the powerful fentanyl lollipops have also been the subject of several lawsuits filed by users who suffered an overdose, serious addiction or death after being give the drug “off-label”.
>>INFORMATION: Actiq lawsuits
Rep. Waxman, a California democrat, is chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which is investigating allegations of improper actions by several pharmaceutical companies. Concern has been expressed that complete research results may not have been turned over to the FDA and that drugs were marketed and promoted for uses that were not established as safe. At public hearings, Waxman has accused drug makers of “profiteering”, sometimes at the expense of consumer safety.
ACTIQ LOLLIPOP PROBLEMS
The Actiq lolipop is a pain medication which contains fentanyl, a powerful and highly addictive substances. The fentanyl is contained in a berry flavored “candy” placed on the end of a stick, like a lollipop. As a result of its ease of use and aggressive marketing by the drug’s maker, it has been widely overused and abused, resulting in injuries for individuals who never should have been given the drug.
A spokeswoman for Cephalon, Inc., the manufacturer of the Actiq lollipop, indicated the company was surprised to be a part of the inquiry. However, the company has been the subject of scrutiny in the press and through Actiq lawsuits as a result of their questionable methods of selling the drug which have led to the pain medication being prescribed for uses which were not approved or determined to be safe in clinical trials.
The FDA only approved Actiq for use in cancer patients who were unable to control their pain with other drugs. It was supposed to be strictly controlled, but questionable marketing practices have resulted in patients being prescribed the fentanyl lollipop to manage conditions such as chronic back pain, knee pain, head aches and other problems for which the benefits of the drug do not outweigh the dangers of Actiq side effects.
>>INFORMATION: Actiq lollipop overdose and deaths
Actiq lollipop side effects could result in dental problems, addiction, overdose and death. Many users who suffered serious injuries as a result of the pain medication, could have prevented problems if doctors were not misled. Even though the Actiq lollipop is only supposed to be prescribed for management of cancer-related pain, today, cancer patients only account for a very small percentage of all prescriptions for the pain killer.
LAWSUITS OBTAIN COMPENSATION BUT DO LITTLE TO DETER ACTIONS
While the drug makers profit from off-label uses of dangerous drugs, such as Actiq lollipops, many patients suffer significant physical injury. Many victims pursue lawsuits to obtain compensation for their injuries which could have been prevented with proper research and warning. However, most pharmaceutical companies continue to find that there are profits to be made even after paying verdicts for injured consumers.
The request for information from Rep. Waxman will hopefully lead to actions which will deter drug makers from placing profits before patient safety. Currently the fines which are collected after drug manufacturers are found to have conducted improper marketing or research do little to change the company’s actions, as they have no real impact on the corporation’s earnings.
The manufacturer of the Actiq lollipop is one of five different companies which have received letters from Rep. Waxman. The following corporations are also being reviewed as part of this investigation:
- Eli Lilly & Co regarding Zyprexa side effects
- AstraZeneca regarding Seroquel side effects
- Boston Scientific Taxus Drug Eluting Stent
- Johnson & Johnson Cordis Cypher Drug Coated Stent
FREE LAWSUIT EVALUATION
The lawyers at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. are currently investigating potential lawsuits against the manufacturers of Actiq, Zyprexa, Seroquel and drug eluting stents. Individuals who were injured by side effects of these dangerous drugs and medical devices may be entitled to financial compensation. Request a free claim evaluation.
