Market Name: Actiq

Generic Name: Fentanyl Citrate

Actiq is a narcotic pain medication indicated for treatment of breakthrough pain in cancer patients. Actiq 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, making it extremely effective in treating high levels of pain.

In some cases, Actiq has been prescribed for "non-label" uses not considered safe by the FDA. In these situations, serious injuries, addiction and deaths have been reported. A black box warning was added to Actiq’s labeling by the FDA in February of 2007.

Black Box Warning Date: February 2007

FDA Link: Actiq