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4.5 Overall Rating

Effectiveness

Ease of Use

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Most voted positive review

28 People found this comment helpful

I have chronic back pain and have tried many medicines. I like the Actiq because I can suck on the lollipop and then put it down when my pain subsides. This is more effective than other treatments like Norco, Morphine, Dilaudid and the very ineffective Methadone. I would highly recommend this medicine to anyone suffering from severe chronic pain!

Most voted negative review

7 People found this comment helpful

My sister takes this drug for "neck pain" and now all her teeth are rotting out. She will have to get dentures now. She loves this drug and is very addicted to it so I would suggest to anyone not to take it.

Shared reviews and ratings

noname23 | 45-54 | Male | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
12/17/2014
Condition: Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
Overall rating 3.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

What can I say? They do work about as well as anything but my pain generally flares up while in bed. Taking one of those lollipops while trying to get back to sleep had a devestating effect on my bite wing teeth. My wife at the time was a dental assistant and would find me at 6am sleeping with a half finished actiq in my mouth. I now need more dental work than I could ever afford. Pretty much every tooth from the incisors back all need to be extracted and replaced. I knew it was sugar so my bad but given the chance to do it over, I would have found something else for pain. Read More Read Less

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1947michael | 55-64 | Male | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
4/23/2014
Condition: Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

After using Actiq for 5 or 6 years I found it to be fast acting and very effective. Without it I can barely function. Due to a failed spine fusion I have severe nerve damage. On days when the pain is only something another sufferer can understand Actiq does work when nothing or a combination of treatments will not work. My clinic changed doctors and I was told that the DEA does not allow it to be used for anyone except cancer patients. I went cold turkey for close to a month and still craved it for a some time afterward. I have not had a prescription for about 3yrs. If I could get prescription again I would. I would not use it daily, only when pain is terrible. I no longer leave the house much or want to do much due to the pain. With Actiq I am more active. Does anyone know if Actiq is still approved for this reason or has the DEA stopped its use?Read More Read Less

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Flobee102 | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
5/10/2013
Condition: Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I had been on actiq for 5 years. We were moving out of state & I deceided to ween myself off of the patches & lollopops. Had no withdrawal symptoms because I did it the correct way. However, I have been off of it for almost 3 moths and my pain has intensified. Now I have to find a new doctor in the Jacksonville/St. Augustine area that will prescibe these drugs for me. My functionability is almost non existance. If anyone can help, please let me know. Thanks & God Bles all of you!!

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Nytyngale | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
1/14/2013
Condition: Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
Overall rating 4.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been taking this medication for many years. I was originally on the brand name and now I am taking the generic. It has been a g-d send to me and in the past it was very effective in allowing me to live a somewhat "normal" life. My pain was never completely gone because I refuse to become that sedated. However, I now have problems with my metabolism thru an autoimmune disease that I came down with in the past few years and as a result, the pain seems to work not as well. I have had problems with the lozenges breaking or disintegrating rendering them useless. I have also had severe trouble with my teeth as a result of the lozenges. Even though, I have brushed and flossed after using them, my teeth have become decayed where I have to have them pulled and receive dentures. Would I of continued using this drug if I had know this. Very good question which I struggle with. When the pain consumes me it is like a an animal with steel teeth chewing me apart and then spitting acid into the wounds left behind; I would say my choice was correct. However, I do hate losing my teeth. Another reason I like this drug is that it does work very quickly thru the absorption thru my inside of my cheeks. Read More Read Less

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paulette | 55-64 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
5/22/2012
Condition: Pain In a Cancer Patient When On Pain Medication
Overall rating 4.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
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lwhit77 | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 1 to less than 2 years | Patient
4/3/2012
Condition: Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I've suffered terribly with chronic low back pain for nearly 15 years, even after failed surgery to relieve it. I was given Actiq to try along with my long acting med. This is the ONLY drug I've used that gave relief enough to be able to get up and move within my own home. With it I can walk and without it I can barely get out of bed or even think of walking within my home. I'm so thankful for this. I plan on trying to see my daughter graduate college and my son's wedding. Without it I could not even think about going to either of these special events. I do wish it was not so expensive, and I could not afford it without my husbands insurance.Read More Read Less

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MATTHEW | 65-74 | Female | Patient
12/25/2011
Condition: Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I HERD PEOPLE CAN DIE THAT MIX ACTIQ AND XANAX? IS THIS TRUE?

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bob69 | 45-54 | Male | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
10/22/2011
Condition: Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
Overall rating 3.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
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badback | 55-64 | Male | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
9/7/2011
Condition: Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Very effective when used in conjunction with duragesic patches. I am taking 3-600mcg suckers a day PRN and it is the only thing that touches the breakthrough pain that is just intolerable. You've got to have really good insurance...this stuff is $1280.00 for a box of 30(that's what they bill our med plan-I copay $10). Stay away from oxycontin and suggest this...my pain mgmt dr. says very few plans cover it however

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mommom | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
9/5/2011
Condition: Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

has quick relief for chronic pain

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MMJ Patient | 45-54 | Male | On medication for 1 to less than 2 years | Patient
8/23/2011
Condition: Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was told that I was a "Guinea Pig" of "The Lollipop" for 18 months. Due to it being an opiate, I became dependent on it very quickly due to having severe chronic pain in the penile area. When insurance was covering the 12K cost every 30 days, it was "very easy" to use. Once the insurance seized (terminated from work) I found that I crashed ...very hard for 3 months. I knocked on several doors, only to be turned away, since it was a "prescribed Med", and not a street drug. Those were the toughest and longest 90 some days for both my family and myself. Side effects; Like most of the stories, I lost my smile. The remaining 7 teeth (as of this post) are black and ready to fall out due to being so black and full of cavity. I did the mouthwash and preventive care, all to no avail. I also believe that either this, or the current "Fentynol 100 mcq patch 72 hour release" that I am now taking for breakthrough, is/did cause some hearing loss (especially certain sounds) like hearing my 5 year old grandson, and my daughter talking on her cellphone when she calls. I have found that, for me, MMJ (Medical Marijuana) works as a great break through reliever. Only drawback is, here in Maine where it is legal (State Only), I can not use it upon admittance at a Hospital, nor I have to use my discretion in Public places. At those times, I again, am forced to use a phama drug, in this case Oxycodone 5mg. Overall; It works, highly addictive, costly to both parties, and has various side effects as most drugs do to each individual. Read More Read Less

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jaxcatlover | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
8/13/2011
Condition: Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I feel very lucky! My insurance company still pays for this drug when most stopped if you weren't a cancer patient. Being a veteran is paying off. Tri-Care, our insurance, is paying for the generic brand, $900 a box per month vs $3,800 and my co-pay is $3.00 a month and I get 4 boxes a month. I've tried a dozen different Opioid class meds and a combination of morphine and Actiq is the only thing that works. It took three years just to diagnose my condition. My advise- brush your teeth after use. The medicine is mixed with powder sugar! Read More Read Less

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bumperbear | 45-54 | Male | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
6/15/2011
Condition: Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

My pain Dr in Los Angeles was the first Dr to introduce me to Actiq, and then I went on the generic when it came out. This medication has been my #1 savior. I unfortunately did lose all my teeth and had All-On-Fours put in. Now because the FDA and the local DA's are "TELLING" Doctor's what and how to prescribe medications. They have even come down on my local pharmacy (a national chain) and now they have problems dispensing. So now my Doctor of 5 yrs one day decided he was no longer going to write me, with NO-WARNING! This medication is by far the "BEST" medication for severe-chronic pain ever created! Although it can very easily be abused, it’s important that the Dr make sure the patient is (and remains) compliant, so be careful. It has been just over 2 months since I was cut off and my new pain Dr won't write it, or any other Dr’s. They are afraid of the FDA and others. My wish is for all chronic pain patients that are compliant, that they all have access to this medication, if the Dr agrees. To all the FDA agents & DA's that are telling Doctor's how to prescribe, "SHAME ON YOU!" The Doctor went to medical school, not you! Let the MD's be MD's! I've spent the last 60 - 75 days going thru horrible pain 10/10 level, and constantly doubled-over since I was cut off! My quality of life (which was very diminished to begin with) has fallen to severely lower levels since being cut off, this is an excellent medication. If you’re a chronic pain patient and are compliant, this may be just the medication you need, IF YOU CAN GET IT! Best of health to all!Read More Read Less

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ghostangel | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
4/8/2011
Condition: Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have had RSD for 7 years now. Roxicodone and Actiq are the perfect combination that works for me. I have tried many other drugs with no relief or horrible side effects. I have not had any problems with my teeth and I have been on it for 3 years. I do rinse my mouth with a restoring mouthwash or water after use each time. I do believe you can use this medication without tooth loss if you are proactive. My problem is now finding a doctor that will continue to care for a chronic pain patient and prescribe these meds. My doc abandoned me after 3 years and I cannot find a new doc that will continue the meds. I don't understand why a pain management doc would refuse to write these scripts. I have called so many doctors lately only to be told they are not taking on chronic pain patients. Where do I go from here pain and withdrawal? I just don't get it. I need a pain management doctor. HELP Read More Read Less

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Anonymous | 35-44 | Male | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
3/30/2011
Condition: Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
Overall rating 4.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been on Actiq for 4 years for neuropathic pain. It has been very effective, but it is true that it is very detrimental to your teeth. I have lost quite a few teeth due to this medication, however, I don't know of any drug that is even remotely as effective as Actiq. I also had a problem with my insurance company wanting to cover it, however with 2 appeals and just explaining to them that by them covering it for 2 years, and then suddenly denying the claim that it was unethical at the very least. I explained that going forward, if they wanted to deny the claim to member's that never were prescribed it before, that is understandable, but by me having been on it and them covering it for 2 years, I should be "grandfathered in". They ultimately agreed, and continued to cover it. To anybody that is having a problem with their insurance carrier, try to appeal to their sense of decency, and mabye they will reconsider. Let me repeat, I had to appeal 2 times before they would cover it. Don't give up!!Read More Read Less

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pd | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
2/1/2011
Condition: Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
Overall rating 4.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

This "lollipop" version worked great for me. But, I didn't know that I was destroying my teeth. I lost at least 8 teeth and my dental expenses are great (even with dental insurance). Then my insurance co. quit covering it for me since I didn't have cancer. I didn't have withdrawal, but nothing else has worked for me as it did. I don't understand why it has to be so expensive.

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A mom with bad migraines. | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
1/25/2011
Condition: Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was taking Actiq and then the generic version for really bad migraines. It allowed me to continue living my life, despite a bad migraine, so that I could do things like celebrate Christmas or birthdays with my family. I think that it's been 1 year since my neurologist stopped prescribing it for me because of the black box warning against using it for migraines or bad headaches. The people who made this decision do not get chronic migraines and obviously do not know what it's like to literally be disabled by migraines. I haven't had any problems with my teeth because of this drug. Being disabled from migraines has ruined my marriage and damaged my relationship with my teenage daughter, not to mention making me depressed and anxious that I won't be able to live up to commitments or be able to simply enjoy my life. Read More Read Less

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dlcenda | 35-44 | Female | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
1/10/2011
Condition: Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
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Anonymous | 35-44 | Female | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
1/8/2011
Condition: Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I've been using Actiq (lollipops) transmucusal for 5+ yrs. It's extremely effective for severe breakthrough pain. As with most Rxs that offer real relief, it is expensive beyond belief. If you can find some way to afford it & find a Dr. willing to help, I wish you Luck. God Bless & take care of yourselves.

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sprout | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
11/3/2010
Condition: Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
Overall rating 4.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Chronic back pian patient and this has made days when the pain is way above what my oral pain medication can do for me and I will use this medication. I find that it is a great break through medication when every thing else has failed to control the pain. If I did not have this medication I'm not sure what I would do.

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