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Actiq for Breakthrough Pain User Reviews

Actiq has an average rating of 8.9 out of 10 from a total of 8 reviews for the treatment of Breakthrough Pain. 88% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 0% reported a negative experience.

Actiq rating summary

8.9/10 average rating

8 ratings from 9 user reviews.

Compare all 5 medications used in the treatment of Breakthrough Pain.

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  • blant
  • December 6, 2008

"This medication was like a miracle for me. I'm on 2 other narcotics but they hardly touch the pain. With this I feel as good as I did 13 years ago before I became disabled. Use responsibly as your doctor prescribes. This is by far the most relief I've ever had."

9 / 10
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  • Donna...
  • September 16, 2016

"Used several years ago. I was prescribed the fentanyl patch for 72 hrs (3) days. Actiq was prescribed for breakthrough pain. What a God-send! Finally research supported that people have differing degrees of metabolism and my patch was changed to every 48 hours. Still. fentanyl in patch for around the clock pain control WITH the Actiq Lollipop-type medication for "breakthrough" pain was a life savior. I was a mother of 3 boys with the severest form of neck, back and fibromylagia putting my pain level off the charts. This med allowed me (after taking a dose of Actiq) to 1) go grocery shopping, 2)take, pick-up and volunteer for a whole hour, 3) cook dinner and go to church and lastly, 4)participate in activities lasting 1 hr."

10 / 10
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35 Report
  • Anonymous
  • December 8, 2008

"I have sinus cancer (twice) and I am left with recurring "ice cream headaches". The relief from Actiq has been virtually miraculous. It takes effect within minutes and it doesn't make me feel as medicated as I did with Vicoden. One of the best things about Actiq is that I can regulate the amount of medication to match my break through pain level. I don't have to take a pill, wait 45 minutes then realize that it isn't working. Take yet another pill and (another) 45 minutes later realize that I am over-medicated relative to my pain. When my doctor asked me how I was getting on with the Actiq, my answer was "Actiq gave me my life back.""

10 / 10
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57 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • DPain
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 23, 2017

"4 major back surgeries. ALL failed to relieve severe chronic pain. DOZENS OF OUTPATIENT procedures, nothing worked. Finally diagnoses Severely Permanent Damage to Nerves & Discs (3 removed, 2 destroyed) in Sacroliliac & upward area containing Nerve & Disc Damage that cannot be resolved with Surgery, "Failed back surgery & Severe Chronic pain syndrome." High natural resistance to opiates since a child, made worse by tolerance to opiates at a faster than normal rate. During the 20 + years of severe chronic pain, the intro. of Aqtiq was pivotal. Best things, 1.U control relief level (save rest of sucker 4 later) 2. SPEED! Very fast relief from BREAKTHROUGH, debilitating pain..."

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25 Report
  • Jewelie
  • May 30, 2010

"I have used fentanyl for about one year for breakthrough pain when using Embeda or 120mg of oxycodone as the primary medication. Actiq works extremely fast and quickly takes down the pain and related panic. I can also easily moderate the amount of fentanyl by removing the lollipop once pain relief has been achieved thus avoiding overuse. I do not get the typical drowsiness of narcotics from fentanyl. My only complaint is that it is relatively short acting and usually worn off at about 2.5 to 3 hours. As a result I often have to use a less effective medication for breakthrough pain and need to ration the fentanyl."

9 / 10
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38 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • ambit...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 7, 2013

"overall it has been good, I'm on oxycontin 3times a day long lasting, then actiq for breakthru, it works much better than oxycodone and I don't get sick or lupey from it, however I do on occasion need to take 2 lozegers as my doctor refuses to up either my long lasting or the actiq, don't understand as I am on very low doses and have been RESPONSIBLY taking pain meds for more than 7 years now. overall a very good pain med."

8 / 10
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28 Report
  • Jack
  • October 23, 2014

"Mostly good but my pain would be worse at night when trying to sleep. I would take a dose and due to the 20 minute time to dissolve properly, I sometimes fell asleep with it still in my mouth which over time has done massive damage to my teeth nearby the cheeks in every quadrant of the mouth. The dental work required is in the ten thousand dollar range which I can't hope to afford. As a mid aged man who is divorced, this causes problems with the ladies and I don't blame them."

9 / 10
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24 Report

More FAQ

  • loupg...
  • April 25, 2010

"I was essentially mis-prescribed Actiq when I should have been getting fentanyl patches for my cancer pain. This caused problems with both bolus dosing (transient overdosage) and build-up of opioid tolerance with the Actiq that have not been nearly as great a problem with fentanyl patches. Other patients may have different experiences; however for chronic cancer pain, the patches might be considered before use of Actiq."

6 / 10
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17 Report
  • lebut...
  • August 21, 2009

"When on this medication,along with a long-acting pain medication, I feel this helps to wean down my pain levels."

10 / 10
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38 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.