Topics

All Topics

On the Road

Major Medical

Protecting Your Family

In the Workplace

Workplace Injuries

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

Dangerous Overuse of Narcotic 'Lollipop'

Jamie Sheller

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 475

Posted by Jamie ShellerNovember 03, 2006 2:25 PM

Tags: Drug Products

0 Comments

Print Article

Actiq, is a narcotic in the form of a berry-flavored lozenge on a stick. The powerful drug looks and tastes like a lollipop. The drug is only approved for use in cancer patients, suffering intense pain not relieved by other narcotics. However, Actiq is being prescribed by many doctors for off-label use. While off-label use is not illegal, drug companies are prohibited from marketing their drugs for off-label use. Cephalon, Inc., based in a Philadelphia suburb, is the maker of Actiq, and pitches the drug to a variety of doctors, not just oncologists, even providing coupons for free samples. Fentanyl is an ingredient in Actiq, which has a high potential for abuse and risk of fatal overdose. According to Cephalon, Actiq has been associated with 127 deaths. The company is being investigated by the U.S. attorney's office in Philadelphia for its marketing practices.

0 Comments

Have an opinion about this post? Please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader.

Comments for this article are closed.

Subscribe to InjuryBoard Philadelphia

Keep up with the latest updates using your favorite RSS reader

Legal Assistance Center

More Info

Sheller, P.C. (866) 735-1102 Ext 475 www.sheller.com

Jamie Sheller
(866) 735-1102 Ext 475 Email Jamie

Personal Injury Lawyers Serving: Statewide Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Norristown, Cheltenham, Chester, Drexel Hill, Folsom, Havertown, King of Prussia, Levittown, Radnor, Springfield, Swarthmore, West Chester, Willow Grove

1528 Walnut Street3rd Floor, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102 [ Show Map ]

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Zip

Better Business Bureau Accredited Business

Your question will be referred to an attorney near you. If your question is of a legal nature, then by submitting this form you agree you are not forming a formal attorney / client relationship. Read our full privacy policy.

Looking for an InjuryBoard attorney closer to home? Click here.