Actiq Usage

 Actiq^® (fentanyl lozenge) is a medication often prescribed to treat breakthrough cancer pain in people who are regularly using other opioid pain medications to treat their underlying pain. It is a strong opioid narcotic with a high potential for abuse. Because it is considered a "controlled substance," there are strict laws and regulations surrounding the usage of Actiq.

 

Actiq comes as a lozenge (with a handle) that is placed in the mouth between the cheek and gums. This medication is used on an "as needed" basis, in combination with a regularly scheduled, long-acting narcotic medication.

 

The initial dose of Actiq for breakthrough pain is 200 mcg every fours hours as needed. This dose should be consumed over a 15-minute period. If pain is still present 15 minutes after completing the lozenge (30 minutes after starting it), one additional 200-mcg lozenge may be used. After that, another lozenge may not be used for at least four hours.