Actiq (Fentanyl Citrate)

Crucial information Actiq (Fentanyl Citrate)

Just like most fentanyl products, Actiq (Fentanyl Citrate) can reduce or stop the users breathing. Misusing or abusing the drug can result in death especially in children. Keep it out of reach of children.

Actiq can be addictive and habit forming. It should not be shared with other people especially those with a history of substance abuse.

The drug is only available from a certified pharmacy under a program known as Actiq REMS Program.

Only Patients already using a similar opioid pain drug and those who are tolerant of it can apply Actiq.  People who use certain antibiotics, blood pressure or heart medicines, antifungal drugs, or drugs to treat HIV or AIDS may not be eligible to use these drugs.

Tell your doctor about any medication you might be using. Some medicines can cause dangerous or unwanted effects when used with Actiq. Some of them may interact with Actiq and cause a severe condition known as serotonin syndrome. Ensure your doctor is aware you are taking medicines for mental illness, depression, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, acute infections, or drugs to prevent vomiting and nausea. Also, notify your doctor before making any changes when you are taking your Actiq medications.

To ensure Actiq is safe, notify your medical doctor if you have:

• Any lung or breathing problem
• A history of brain tumor or head injury
• A history of drug addiction
• History of seizures
• Kidney or liver conditions

Never give Actiq to a person younger than 16 years old or anyone without a prescription.

Using Actiq during pregnancy can make your baby dependent on the drug, which can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms after the baby is born. Babies born addicted to such drugs might require several weeks of treatment.

It is wise to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are planning to be pregnant. Actiq and other fentanyl products can pass into breast milk and can result in breathing conditions or sleepiness in the nursing baby. Avoid breastfeeding when you are under this drug.

Actiq Side effects

Patients should get medical help if they start experiencing any allergic reactions to Actiq like difficulty in breathing (more likely in older adults and the severely ill), hives, or tongue, lips, face, or throat swelling.

Other side effects to watch out for are extreme drowsiness, confusion, shallow breath, lightheaded feeling, insomnia, nausea, mild rash, depressed mood, anxiety among others. You should seek medical help after noticing serotonin syndrome symptoms like hallucinations, agitation, sweating, fever, twitching, muscle stiffness, coordination loss, and fever, among others.