Actiq Fentanyl Lollipop Side Effects

Actiq lollipop side effects have been linked to serious injuries, including overdose and death. In many cases the powerful fentanyl lollipop was presccribed “off-label” for uses which have not been approved by the FDA.

The Actiq fentanyl lollipop is a narcotic pain medication which is only intended for treatment of break through cancer pain in patients who are already opioid tolerant. As a result of aggressive promotion and advertisement by the manufacturer, Cephalon, Inc., the Actiq lollipop has been widely prescribed to individuals who never should have received the drug.

There have been hundreds of reports of overdose and death as a resolve the fentanyl lollipops. The fentanyl lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. previously reviewed potential Actiq lawsuits nationwide for cases of overdose and death. New cases are no longer being reviewed or accepted by our law firm.

ACTIQ LOLLIPOP SIDE EFFECTS

Actiq (fentanyl citrate) is an extremely powerful narcotic which is delivered in the form of a lollipop by placing the drug in a lozenge on the end of a stick.  When the narcotic lollipop is placed against the cheek of the mouth and sucked on, the medication is delivered directly into the blood stream.  It usually provides relief of even the most severe pain within 15 minutes.

The FDA approved Actiq in November 1998 for treatment in cancer patients suffering pain which could not be relieved by other medications.  Although it has only been approved for use by cancer patients, the manufacturer negligently allowed the medication to be prescribed “off-label” to treat less serious ailments, such as chronic back pain, knee pain and head aches.  It has been estimated that over 80% of Actiq users do not have cancer, and there have been allegations the sales representatives actively promoted the drug for non-cancer uses.

ACTIQ LOLLIPOP LAWSUITS

The candy-like method that the powerful fentanyl is delivered, combined with widespread prescription for non-approved uses has resulted in serious and potentially fatal injuries.  The medication has been overused and abused, resulting in death for many users.  There have also been reports of children dying after they mistook the powerful narcotic for candy.  Other serious side effect injuries have included respiratory distress and severe dehydration.

Additional Actiq lawsuits are no longer being reviewed or accepted by our law firm.