Actiq lozenges (fentanyl)

How does it work?

Actiq lozenges contain the active ingredient fentanyl, which is a type of medicine called an opioid analgesic (painkiller). The opioids are a group of very strong painkillers that are related to morphine.

Opioid painkillers work by mimicking the action of naturally occurring pain-reducing chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are found in the brain and spinal cord and reduce pain by combining with opioid receptors.

Fentanyl mimicks the action of natural endorphins by combining with the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This blocks the transmission of pain signals sent by the nerves to the brain. Therefore, even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt.

People with long-term, ongoing, severe pain, such as the pain caused by cancer, are given opioid medicines as painkillers. However, occasionally the pain can become worse despite taking these strong painkillers. This is known as 'breakthrough' pain. Actiq lozenges are used to relieve this 'breakthrough' pain in people already receiving opioid painkillers.

Actiq lozenges consist of a lozenge attached with edible glue to a handle. The lozenge is placed in the mouth next to the cheek and moved aroud the mouth using the handle. The medicine is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucosal skin on the inside of the mouth to provide rapid relief from pain.

What is it used for?

Relief of breakthrough pain in people taking regular opioid painkillers for long-term, ongoing, severe pain due to cancer.

Warning!

Actiq lozenges should be sucked, not chewed, as the medicine is absorbed faster into the bloodstream this way. Use water to moisten the inside of the mouth if your mouth is dry.

Actiq lozenges contains a dose of medicine that can be fatal to a child. Keep this medicine well out of sight and reach of children and discard the handle in a waste container that is also well out of reach of children.

If the dosage unit has been only partially consumed, the remaining medicine should be dissolved by running the unit under hot water. Discard the handle in a waste container well out of reach of children. Return all unused dose units to your doctor or pharmacist.

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.

This medicine has severe adverse reactions in an overdose. Do not exceed the prescribed dose.

If this medicine is used for prolonged periods of time, the body can become tolerant to it and it may become less effective at relieving pain. This means that with time, higher doses may be needed to control pain. With prolonged use the body may also become dependent on opioids. As a result, withdrawal symptoms can occur if all opioid painkillers are stopped suddenly. If a person no longer needs this medicine but they are still taking other opioids, it can be stopped suddenly. However, if all opioids are to be stopped, it may be necessary to reduce treatment gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Use with caution in

Elderly people

Weak or debilitated people

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Asthma

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Head injury

Impaired conciousness

Increased pressure in the brain (raised intracranial pressure)

Slow abnormal heart rhythms (bradyarrhythmias)

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Diabetes.

Not to be used in

People NOT already taking opioid painkillers

Very slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

Breastfeeding.

The safety and efficacy of this medicine have not been established in children and adolescents. It is not recommended for this age group.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Significant amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers as it may be harmful to the nursing infant. Alternatively, mothers who need this medicine should not breastfeed. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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