Actiq Fentanyl lozenge

Actiq Fentanyl lozenge is a drug used in the management of breakthrough pain among cancer patients aged 16 years and above who are tolerant to opioids. Read on to learn more about this drug.

What is Actiq Fentanyl lozenge?

It is an opioid that is indicated for breakthrough pain management among cancer patients who are 16 years old and above. This drug belongs to a group of medications called opioid analgesics. It influences the brain to make the body become pain tolerant.

For you to qualify for this drug, you must be receiving opioid therapy for your chronic cancer pain. Only patients who are tolerant to opioids can take Actiq Fentanyl lozenge.

You are considered opioid-tolerant if you have been taking an opioid drug for 7days or longer in dosages that consist of at least 60mg of morphine swallowed orally.

Actiq Fentanyl lozenge limitations

• You cannot use Actiq Fentanyl lozenge if you are not tolerant to opioids.
• Actiq Fentanyl lozenge should not be used for the management of postoperative or acute pain such as migraine/headache and dental pain.
• Actiq Fentanyl lozenge can only be given to outpatients who are enrolled to TIRF REMS Access program.

Actiq Fentanyl lozenge uses

The drug is used to help in relieving sudden/breakthrough pain among cancer patients that are regularly under moderate to huge dosages of opioid pain drug.  You should not use this drug to relieve short-term or mild pain like migraine/headache, dental procedures, and such.

Ways of using Actiq Fentanyl lozenge on a handle

It is important to read the drug guide given by the pharmacist before you begin using this drug and any time you want a refill. Know all the disposal and usage instructions. Do not shy away from asking your pharmacist or doctor any questions.

You will find a children’s safety kit from the manufacturer. It includes crucial educational and safety materials and a secure storage container to store this drug away from kids. If you don’t understand anything in the kit, consult your doctor or contact the manufacturer.

Always use Actiq Fentanyl lozenge exactly a directed by your healthcare provider. Use scissors to open the package before use. Take the lozenge and put the drug in your mouth between the gums and cheeks. Suck on the drug actively. You should twirl the handle frequently and move the drug beside the cheeks in the mouth. Switch the mouth sides occasionally.

You need to finish the drug in 15 minutes to experience the most relief. Never chew or bite the drug. You can take some water before use but you should not drink or eat anything while taking it.

It is wise to avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while taking this drug unless your pharmacist or doctor suggests it’s safe. One of the reasons for this is because grapefruit can enhance the risk of side effects.

Let your doctor know of any side effects such as serious drowsiness so that he/she can determine if it is safe to continue with treatment.

The Actiq Fentanyl lozenge dosage should be individualized based on the patient’s response to treatment and the condition being treated. In case, you need two doses, wait for half an hour before taking the 2^nd dose. Never use more than two doses per episode of breakthrough pain. You should wait for at least four hours before using another Actiq Fentanyl lozenge.

To reduce the risk of an overdose or any confusion, you need to maintain only drugs that have the same strength. Never increase the dosage or take the drugs for longer than recommended.

Note that pain drugs are more effective when you experience the first symptoms of pain. Do not wait until the pain has worsened.  You need to continue with the Actiq Fentanyl lozenge treatment as instructed by your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other drugs or in case you start experiencing withdrawal symptoms after using Actiq Fentanyl lozenge for an extended period. Some of the withdrawal symptoms include:

• Mood/mental changes
• Restlessness
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Runny nose
• Watering eyes
• Sweating
• Diarrhea
• Stiff or painful muscles
• Abnormal behaviors

Actiq Fentanyl lozenge side effects

Just like most fentanyl analogs, Actiq Fentanyl lozenge can have certain side effects such as:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness
• Constipation
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Feeling like you want to faint
• Sores, pain, or irritation in your mouth
• Serious abdominal/stomach pain
• Trouble urinating
• Mood changes such as confusion, agitation, and hallucinations
• Problems breathing
• Unusual tiredness

Note that these side effects don’t last long. They fade after a while.

Severe reactions

Actiq Fentanyl lozenge comes with a risk of severe adverse reactions. They include:

• Severe respiratory depressions
• It can interact with CNS depressants and benzodiazepines
• Abuse, addiction, and misuse
• Serotonin syndrome
• Severe withdrawal symptoms
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Serious hypotension
• Seizures and fainting
• Gastrointestinal serious reactions

Actiq Fentanyl lozenge overdose

Actiq Fentanyl lozenge is a very strong drug that comes with increased risks of an overdose. Overdosing on Actiq Fentanyl lozenge can lead to severe symptoms such as problems breathing or passing out. If you suspect someone has overdosed, one of the first aids is giving them naloxone and calling 911. If the person shows no symptoms and is awake, seek medical help immediately.

Signs of an overdose include slow heartbeat, slow breathing and coma.

Never share this drug with other people. Doing this is illegal.

The drug should only be used for the prescribed condition. Never use it for other purposes unless advised by your doctor.

Consult with your doctor to know whether you should keep naloxone in case you overdose.

Where to buy Actiq Fentanyl lozenge

You can buy the drug from our global online store at an affordable price. We are a reliable store near you that will take care of all your drug needs. Contact us today for more.

The legal status of Actiq Fentanyl lozenge

Actiq Fentanyl lozenge is a prescription only drug. Using it for recreational purposes is illegal.