Actiq is a powerful pain narcotic that contains fentanyl and has been approved by the FDA for use in cancer treatment. The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug eight years ago for use only in cancer patients who suffer intense bouts of pain that other narcotics don't relieve. Despite the fact that Actiq is meant strictly as a potent pain reliever for cancer patients, recent reports indicate that fewer than 1% of Actiq prescriptions are ordered by oncologists. Data gathered from a network of doctors by research firm ImpactRx between June 2005 and October 2006 suggest that more than 80% of patients who use the drug don't have cancer. Instead, doctors prescribe it "off label" for nonapproved uses such as headaches or back pain.

Off-label prescribing, also known as unapproved use, is the practice of prescribing a drug for a purpose different from one of the indications for which the product is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). What is the danger of off-label prescription drug use? Off-label prescriptions cause a higher incidence of known side effects as well as unforeseen adverse reactions that can be quite serious or even deadly. Actiq has a high potential for abuse and may kill those who overdose on it. The FDA maintains strict programs to manage the drug's distribution, but off-label prescribing can curb drug safety efforts.

The manufacturer of Actiq, Cephalon Inc. reports that 127 deaths have occurred in patients taking Actiq. An additional 91 serious, non-fatal, injuries have also been reported to the FDA, ranging from respiratory distress to severe dehydration.

The U.S. attorney's office in Philadelphia is investigating Cephalon's marketing practices in connection with Actiq. No charges have been filed to date.

If you, or a loved one, has been administered Actiq and suffered any side effects, the MEDLAW Legal Team of attorneys can help protect your rights.

Our in-house legal team consists of a physician-attorney, five registered nurses, 11 attorneys, and more than 30 staff-members. As one of the nation's premier pharmaceutical liability law firms, we represent consumers nationwide who have been victimized by defective medications, including Actiq.^*

We have the experience to protect your legal rights and to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.  If you or a loved one have suffered serious side effects from the use of Actiq, please contact us for an immediate case evaluation.

Many law firms that advertise aggressively on the Internet are actually client brokers who refer virtually all clients to lawyers in other firms and other cities who do the actual work of representing the client. Janet, Jenner & Suggs, LLC, is a traditional law firm that actively represents all of our clients. Robert K. Jenner and Kenneth Suggs, leaders of the pharmaceutical department within the firm, will always be accessible to you. Mr. Jenner and Mr. Suggs, nationally recognized advocates on behalf of victims of defective pharmaceutical products, and their highly experienced team, will always be ready to answer your questions.

Narcotic 'lollipop' is big seller despite FDA curbs
By John Carreyrou, The Wall Street Journal

"...thousands of Americans who are prescribed Actiq, an extremely potent narcotic, for ailments that have nothing to do with its intended use. The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug eight years ago for use only in cancer patients who suffer intense bouts of pain that other narcotics don't relieve."