actiq
Actiq (Fentanyl Citrate) is an opioid agonist used to treat Pain.
Fentanyl Citrate · by Cephalon
Available as a generic: Fentanyl Citrate
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Fentanyl Citrate
- Drug class
- Opioid Agonist
- Form
- Lozenge
- Strength
- Fentanyl Citrate EQ 0.2MG Base **Federal Register Determination That Product was not Discontinued or Withdrawn for Safety or Effectiveness reasons** · Fentanyl Citrate EQ 0.4MG Base **Federal Register Determination That Product was not Discontinued or Withdrawn for Safety or Effectiveness reasons** · Fentanyl Citrate EQ 0.6MG Base **Federal Register Determination That Product was not Discontinued or Withdrawn for Safety or Effectiveness reasons** · Fentanyl Citrate EQ 0.8MG Base **Federal Register Determination That Product was not Discontinued or Withdrawn for Safety or Effectiveness reasons** · Fentanyl Citrate EQ 1.2MG Base **Federal Register Determination That Product was not Discontinued or Withdrawn for Safety or Effectiveness reasons** · Fentanyl Citrate EQ 1.6MG Base **Federal Register Determination That Product was not Discontinued or Withdrawn for Safety or Effectiveness reasons**
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- pain
- Manufacturer
- Cephalon
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$9.51 per ml — not your price
- FDA application
- NDA020747
- Availability
- Discontinued (per FDA)
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Actiq?
From the FDA label:Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate (OTFC) (fentanyl citrate) oral transmucosal lozenge is a solid formulation of fentanyl, an opioid agonist, intended for oral transmucosal administration. OTFC is formulated as a white to off-white solid drug matrix on a handle that is fracture resistant (ABS plastic) under normal conditions when used as directed. OTFC is designed to be dissolved slowly in the mouth to facilitate transmucosal absorption. The handle allows the OTFC unit to be removed from the mouth if signs of excessive opioid effects appear during administration. Active Ingredient: Fentanyl citrate, USP is N-(1-Phenethyl-4-piperidyl) propionanilide citrate (1:1). Fentanyl is a highly lipophilic compound (octanol-water partition coefficient at pH 7.4 is 816:1) that is freely soluble in organic solvents and sparingly soluble in water (1:40). The molecular weight of the free base is 336.5 (the citrate salt is 528.6). The pKa of the tertiary nitrogens are 7.3 and 8.4. The compound has the following structural formula: Inactive Ingredients: Hydrated dextrates, citric acid, dibasic sodium phosphate, artificial berry flavor, magnesium stearate, and edible glue (modified food starch and confectioner’s sugar). chemical-structure
How to use
Patients must require and use around-the-clock opioids when taking OTFC. ( 1 ) OTFC should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. ( 2.1 ) Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals. Reserve titration to higher doses of OTFC for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks. ( 2.1 , 5 ) Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient’s underlying cause and severity of pain, patient response, prior analgesic experience, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse. ( 2.1 , 5.1 ) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially when initiating and following dosage increases with OTFC. Consider this risk when selecting an initial dose and when making dose adjustments. ( 2.1 , 5.2 ) Discuss opioid overdose reversal agents and options for acquiring them with the patient and/or caregiver both when initiating and renewing treatment with OTFC, especially if the patient has additional risk factors for overdose, or close contacts at risk for exposure and overdose. ( 2.2 , 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.4 ) Initial dose of OTFC: 200 mcg. Prescribe…
Side effects
The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Interactions with Benzodiazepines and Other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Severe Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.15 )] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.16 )] Most common (frequency ≥5%): nausea, dizziness, somnolence, vomiting, asthenia, and headache, dyspnea, constipation, anxiety, confusion, depression, rash, and insomnia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Teva Pharmaceuticals at 1-888-483-8279 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because the use of OTFC exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has occurred in patients treated with Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate (OTFC), including following use in opioid non-tolerant patients and improper dosing. Evaluate patients for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of OTFC or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of OTFC are essential. The substitution of OTFC for any other fentanyl product may result in fatal overdose [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Due to the risk of respiratory depression, OTFC is contraindicated in the management of acute or postoperative pain including headache/migraine and in opioid non-tolerant patients [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Accidental Ingestion Accidental ingestion of even one dose of OTFC, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of fentanyl. Death has been reported in children who have accidentally ingested OTFC. OTFC must be kept out of reach of children [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Risks From Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of OTFC and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. Risk of Medication Errors Substantial differences exist in the pharmacokinetic profile of OTFC compared to other fentanyl products that result in clinically important differences in the extent of absorption of fentanyl and that could result in fatal overdose [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )]. When prescribing, do not convert patients on a mcg per mcg basis from any other fentanyl products to OTFC [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )]. When dispensing, do not substitute an OTFC prescription for other fentanyl products. Cytochrome P450 3A4 Interaction The concomitant use of OTFC with all cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors may result in an increase in fentanyl plasma concentrations, which could increase or prolong adverse reactions and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression. In addition, discontinuation of a concomitantly used cytochrome P450 3A4 inducer may result in an increase in fentanyl plasma concentration. Evaluate patients at frequent intervals receiving OTFC and any CYP3A4 inhibitor or inducer [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Because of the risk for accidental exposure, misuse, abuse, addiction, and overdose, OTFC is available only through a restricted program required by the Food and Drug Administration, called a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Under the Transmucosal Immediate Release Fentanyl (TIRF) REMS, pharmacies, outpatients, and healthcare professionals who prescribe to outpatients must enroll in the program. Inpatient pharmacies must develop policies and procedures to verify opioid tolerance in inpatients who require OTFC while hospitalized. Further information is available at www.TIRFREMSAccess.com or by calling 1-866-822-1483 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )]. Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) Advise pregnant women using opioids for an extended period of time of the risk of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )]. WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF OTFC See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. OTFC exposes users to risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Assess patient’s risk before prescribing and reassess regularly for these behaviors and conditions. ( 5.1 ) Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has occurred in patients treated with OTFC, including following use in opioid non-tolerant patients and improper dosing. Regularly evaluate patients, especially upon initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of OTFC are essential. The substitution of OTFC for any other fentanyl product may result in fatal overdose. Due to the risk of fatal respiratory depression, OTFC is contraindicated in opioid non-tolerant patients and in management of acute or postoperative pain, including headache/migraines. ( 1 , 4 , 5.2 ) Accidental ingestion of OTFC, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of fentanyl. Keep out of reach of children. Ensure proper storage and disposal. ( 2.8 , 5.3 ) Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. ( 5.4 , 7 ) Advise pregnant women using opioids for an extended period of time of the risk of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery . ( 5.8 ) OTFC is available only through a restricted program called the TIRF REMS. Pharmacies,…
Warnings
Important safety information
Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia : Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia (OIH) occurs when an opioid analgesic paradoxically causes an increase in pain, or an increase in sensitivity to pain. If OIH is suspected, carefully consider appropriately decreasing the dose of the current opioid analgesic or opioid rotation. ( 5.9 ) Serotonin Syndrome : Potentially life-threatening condition could result from concomitant serotonergic drug administration. Discontinue OTFC if serotonin syndrome is suspected. ( 5.10 ) Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression in Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease or in Elderly, Cachectic, or Debilitated Patients : Regularly evaluate patients, particularly during initiation and titration. ( 5.11 ) Adrenal Insufficiency : If diagnosed, treat with physiologic replacement of corticosteroids, and wean patient off of the opioid. ( 5.12 ) Severe Hypotension : Regularly evaluate patients during dosage initiation and titration. Avoid use of OTFC in patients with circulatory shock. ( 5.13 ) Risks of Use in Patients with Increased Intracranial Pressure, Brain Tumors, Head Injury, or Impaired Consciousness : Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Avoid use of OTFC in patients with impaired consciousness or coma. ( 5.14 ) 5.1 Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate (OTFC) contains fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. As an opioid, OTFC exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse [see Drug Abuse and Dependence ( 9 )] . Although the risk of addiction in any individual is unknown, it can occur in patients appropriately prescribed OTFC. Addiction can occur at recommended dosages and if the drug is misused or abused. The risk of opioid-related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy. In postmarketing studies, addiction, abuse, misuse, and fatal and non-fatal opioid overdose were observed in patients with long-term opioid use [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . Assess each patient’s risk for opioid addiction, abuse, or misuse prior to prescribing OTFC, and reassess all patients receiving OTFC for the development of these behaviors and conditions. Risks are increased in patients with a personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depression). The potential for these risks should not, however, prevent the proper management of pain in any given patient. Patients at increased risk may be prescribed opioids such as OTFC, but use in such patients necessitates intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of OTFC along with frequent reevaluation for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Opioids are sought for nonmedical use and are subject to diversion from legitimate prescribed use. Consider these risks when prescribing or dispensing OTFC. Strategies to reduce these risks include prescribing the drug in the smallest appropriate quantity and advising the patient on careful storage of the drug during the course of treatment and proper disposal of unused drug. Contact local state professional licensing board or state-controlled substances authority for information on how to prevent and detect abuse or diversion of this product. 5.2 Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended. Respiratory depression, if not immediately recognized and treated, may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Management of respiratory depression may include close observation, supportive measures, and use of opioid overdose reversal agents , depending on the patient’s clinical status [see Overdosage ( 10 )] . Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) retention from opioid-induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids. While serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression can occur at any time during the use of OTFC, the risk is greatest during the initiation of therapy or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of OTFC are essential [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )] . Overestimating the OTFC dosage can result in a fatal overdose with the first dose. The substitution of OTFC for any other fentanyl product may result in fatal overdose [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )]. OTFC could be fatal to individuals for whom it is not prescribed and for those who are not opioid-tolerant. Accidental ingestion of even one dose of OTFC, especially by children, can result in respiratory depression and death due to an overdose of fentanyl [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Educate patients and caregivers on how to recognize respiratory depression and emphasize the importance of calling 911 or getting emergency medical help right away in the event of a known or suspected overdose . Opioids can cause sleep-related breathing disorders including central sleep apnea (CSA) and sleep-related hypoxemia. Opioid use increases the risk of CSA in a dose-dependent fashion. In patients who present with CSA, consider decreasing the opioid dosage using best practices for opioid taper [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.7 )]. Patient Access to an Opioid Overdose Reversal Agent for the Emergency Treatment of Opioid Overdose Inform patients and caregivers about opioid overdose reversal agents (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene). Discuss the importance of having access to an opioid overdose reversal agent, especially if the patient has risk factors for overdose (e.g., concomitant use of CNS depressants, a history of opioid use disorder, or prior opioid overdose) or if there are household members (including children) or other close contacts at risk for accidental ingestion or opioid overdose. The presence of risk factors for overdose should not prevent the management of pain in any patient [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.4 )]. Discuss the options for obtaining an opioid overdose reversal agent (e.g., prescription, over-the-counter, or as part of a community-based program). There are important differences among the opioid overdose reversal agents, such as route of administration, product strength, approved patient age range, and pharmacokinetics. Be familiar with these differences, as outlined in the approved labeling for those products, prior to recommending or prescribing such an agent. Educate patients and caregivers on how to recognize respiratory depression, and how to use an opioid overdose reversal agent for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. Emphasize the importance of calling 911 or getting emergency medical help, even if an opioid overdose reversal agent is administered [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.4 ), Overdosage ( 10 )]. 5.3 Increased Risk of Overdose in Children Due to Accidental Ingestion or Exposure Death has been reported in children who have accidentally ingested OTFC. Patients and their caregivers must be informed that OTFC contains a medicine in an amount which can be fatal to a child. Healthcare providers and dispensing pharmacists must specifically question patients or caregivers about the presence of children in the home (on a full time or visiting basis) and counsel them regarding the dangers to children from inadvertent exposure. Patients and their caregivers must be instructed to keep both used and unused dosage units out of the reach of children. While all units should be disposed of immediately after use, partially consumed units represent a special risk to children. In the event that a unit is not completely consumed it must be properly disposed as soon as possible. Detailed instructions for the proper storage, administration, disposal, and…
Who should not take Actiq
Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate (OTFC) is contraindicated in: Opioid non-tolerant patients: Life-threatening respiratory depression and death could occur at any dose in opioid non-tolerant patients [see Indications and Usage ( 1 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Significant respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Acute or postoperative pain including headache/migraine and dental pain, or acute pain in the emergency department [see Indications and Usage ( 1 )] . Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )]. Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.15 )]. Known hypersensitivity to fentanyl or components of OTFC (e.g., anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity) [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )]. Opioid non-tolerant patients. ( 4 ) Significant respiratory depression. ( 4 ) Management of acute or postoperative pain, including headache/migraine and dental pain. ( 4 ) Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in absence of resuscitative equipment. ( 4 ) Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus. ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to fentanyl or components of OTFC. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Clinical Presentation Acute overdose with fentanyl can be manifested by respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and, in some cases, pulmonary edema, bradycardia, hypotension, hypoglycemia, partial or complete airway obstruction, atypical snoring, and death. Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with hypoxia in overdose situations [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Toxic leukoencephalopathy has been reported after opioid overdose and can present hours, days, or weeks after apparent recovery from the initial intoxication. Treatment of Overdose In case of overdose, priorities are: removal of the OTFC unit, if still in the mouth, the reestablishment of a patent and protected airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation, if needed. Employ other supportive measures (including oxygen and vasopressors) in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema as indicated. Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias will require advanced life-support measures. For clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to opioid overdose, administer an opioid overdose reversal agent such as naloxone or nalmefene. Because the duration of opioid reversal is expected to be less than the duration of action of fentanyl in OTFC, carefully monitor the patient until…
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Table 3 includes clinically significant drug interactions with Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate (OTFC). Table 3: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with OTFC Inhibitors of CYP3A4 Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of OTFC and CYP3A4 inhibitors can increase the plasma concentration of fentanyl, resulting in increased or prolonged opioid effects, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of OTFC is achieved [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . After stopping a CYP3A4 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, the fentanyl plasma concentration will decrease [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , resulting in decreased opioid efficacy or a withdrawal syndrome in patients who had developed physical dependence to fentanyl. Intervention: If concomitant use is necessary, consider dosage reduction of OTFC until stable drug effects are achieved. Evaluate patients at frequent intervals for respiratory depression and sedation. If a CYP3A4 inhibitor is discontinued, consider increasing the OTFC dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Evaluate for signs of opioid withdrawal. Examples: Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole-antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole), protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir), grapefruit juice CYP3A4 Inducers Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of OTFC and CYP3A4 inducers can decrease the plasma concentration of fentanyl [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence to fentanyl [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . After stopping a CYP3A4 inducer, as the effects of the inducer decline, the fentanyl plasma concentration will increase [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , which could increase or prolong both the therapeutic effects and adverse reactions, and may cause serious respiratory depression. Intervention: If concomitant use is necessary, consider increasing the OTFC dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Evaluate for signs of opioid withdrawal. If a CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, consider OTFC dosage reduction and evaluate patients at frequent intervals for signs of respiratory depression and sedation. Examples: Rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin Benzodiazepines and Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Clinical Impact: Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants including alcohol, increases the risk of respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. Intervention: Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Inform patients and caregivers of this potential interaction and educate them on the signs and symptoms of respiratory depression (including sedation). If concomitant use is warranted, consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.4 )] . Examples: Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), other opioids, alcohol. Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system has resulted in serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] . Intervention: If concomitant use is warranted, frequently evaluate the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue OTFC if serotonin syndrome is suspected. Examples: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that affect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Intervention: The use of OTFC is not recommended for patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment. Examples: Phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics Clinical Impact: May reduce the analgesic effect of OTFC and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. Intervention: Avoid concomitant use. Examples: Butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine Muscle Relaxants Clinical Impact: Fentanyl may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression. Intervention: Because respiratory depression may be greater than otherwise expected, decrease the dosage of OTFC and/or the muscle relaxant as necessary. Due to the risk of respiratory depression with concomitant use of skeletal muscle relaxants and opioids, consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.4 )]. Examples: Cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone Diuretics Clinical Impact: Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone. Intervention: Evaluate patients for signs of diminished diuresis and/or effects on blood pressure and increase the dosage of the diuretic as needed. Anticholinergic Drugs Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs may increase risk of urinary retention and/or severe constipation, which may lead to paralytic ileus. Intervention: Evaluate patients for signs of urinary retention or reduced gastric motility when OTFC is used concomitantly with anticholinergic drugs. Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics : Avoid the use of mixed agonist/antagonist or partial agonist analgesics in patients who are already receiving a full opioid agonist analgesic (including OTFC) because they may reduce analgesic effect of OTFC or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. ( 7 )
Drug class
How this class works, per Mu Receptors - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Actiq ranks — best-rated opioid agonist for:
Dosage forms
Lozenge
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Actiq treat?
- Actiq (Fentanyl Citrate) may be used to treat pain, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Actiq work?
- Actiq is a opioid agonist. Opioid agonists bind opioid receptors (mainly mu receptors) on nerves in the brain and spinal cord, dampening the release of pain-signaling chemicals so fewer pain messages reach the brain, which relieves moderate to severe pain.
- How much does Actiq cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $9.51 per ml, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins. Pharmacies pay less for a same-class option, Imodium A-D — about $0.05 on the same basis.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Actiq?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Actiq. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Actiq?
- Actiq is marketed by Cephalon. You can see Cephalon's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Actiq a brand-name or generic drug?
- Actiq is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Fentanyl Citrate. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Fentanyl Citrate are available — ask your pharmacist.
- Is Actiq available over the counter?
- No. Actiq is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Actiq come in?
- Actiq is currently marketed as lozenge, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Actiq?
- Actiq is classified as opioid agonist, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Actiq FDA-registered?
- Actiq is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA020747. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Actiq safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Actiq. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Actiq?
- Actiq's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Interactions with Benzodiazepines and Other CNS… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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