Generic name: Fentanyl Lozenge [ FEN-ta-nil ]
Brand name: Actiq
Drug class: Opioids (narcotic analgesics)

Uses of Fentanyl Lozenge:

• It is used to ease pain.
• This medicine is not for mild pain or pain that only lasts a short time (like headaches, toothaches, or pain after surgery).
• This medicine is only for use by people who have been taking pain drugs (opioids) and are used to their effects. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Fentanyl Lozenge?

• If you are allergic to fentanyl lozenge; any part of fentanyl lozenge; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Lung or breathing problems like asthma, trouble breathing, or sleep apnea; high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood; or stomach or bowel block or narrowing.
• If you have any of these health problems: Kidney disease or liver disease.
• If you have taken certain drugs for depression or Parkinson's disease in the last 14 days. This includes isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. Very high blood pressure may happen.
• If you are taking any of these drugs: Linezolid or methylene blue.
• If you are taking any of these drugs: Buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, or pentazocine.
• If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with fentanyl lozenge.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take fentanyl lozenge with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Fentanyl Lozenge?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take fentanyl lozenge. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how fentanyl lozenge affects you.
• To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
• Long-term or regular use of opioid drugs like fentanyl lozenge may lead to dependence. Lowering the dose or stopping fentanyl lozenge all of a sudden may cause a greater risk of withdrawal or other severe problems. Talk to your doctor before you lower the dose or stop fentanyl lozenge. You will need to follow your doctor’s instructions. Tell your doctor if you have more pain, mood changes, thoughts of suicide, or any other bad effects.
• Do not take more than what your doctor told you to take. Taking more than you are told may raise your chance of very bad side effects.
• Do not take fentanyl lozenge with other strong pain drugs or if you are using a pain patch without talking to your doctor first.
• If you drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit often, talk with your doctor.
• This medicine may raise the chance of seizures in some people, including people who have had seizures in the past. Talk to your doctor to see if you have a greater chance of seizures while taking fentanyl lozenge.
• Long-term use of an opioid drug may lead to lower sex hormone levels. Call your doctor if you have a lowered interest in sex, fertility problems, no menstrual period (women), or change in sex ability (men).
• Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist often.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with the doctor. Some of these products have sugar.
• If you are 65 or older, use fentanyl lozenge with care. You could have more side effects.
• This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking fentanyl lozenge, call your doctor right away.

How is this medicine (Fentanyl Lozenge) best taken?

Use fentanyl lozenge as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Place lozenge in your mouth between the cheek and lower gum.
• Suck oral lozenge. Do not chew, break, or crush it. Do not swallow it whole.
• After a dose, throw away the handle in the trash out of the reach of children and pets. If any drug is left on the handle, run it under water before throwing away to make sure the drug is dissolved.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you use fentanyl lozenge on a regular basis, use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times fentanyl lozenge is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Feeling confused.
• Severe constipation or stomach pain. These may be signs of a severe bowel problem.
• Noisy breathing.
• Chest pain.
• Fast or slow heartbeat.
• Seizures.
• Low mood (depression).
• Trouble controlling body movements.
• Swelling in the arms or legs.
• A severe and sometimes deadly problem called serotonin syndrome may happen if you take fentanyl lozenge with certain other drugs. Call your doctor right away if you have agitation; change in balance; confusion; hallucinations; fever; fast or abnormal heartbeat; flushing; muscle twitching or stiffness; seizures; shivering or shaking; sweating a lot; severe diarrhea, upset stomach, or throwing up; or severe headache.
• Taking an opioid drug like fentanyl lozenge may lead to a rare but very bad adrenal gland problem. Call your doctor right away if you have very bad dizziness or passing out, very bad upset stomach or throwing up, or if you feel less hungry, very tired, or very weak.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Fentanyl Lozenge?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
• Dry mouth.
• Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, throwing up, or feeling less hungry.
• Headache.
• Feeling cold.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Sweating a lot.
• Irritation where fentanyl lozenge is used.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Fentanyl Lozenge?

• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Store fentanyl lozenge in a safe place where children cannot see or reach it, and where other people cannot get to it. A locked box or area may help keep fentanyl lozenge safe. Keep all drugs away from pets.
• Follow the information that comes with fentanyl lozenge for throwing out doses that are not needed. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about how to throw out fentanyl lozenge.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• This medicine comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time fentanyl lozenge is refilled. If you have any questions about fentanyl lozenge, please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• Which drugs cause opioid-induced constipation?
• How long does Fentanyl stay in your system?
• Why is fentanyl so dangerous?
• Carfentanil vs Fentanyl: Which is more dangerous?
• Fentanyl test strips: where to get & how to use?
• Which painkiller should you use?
• What are the symptoms of a fentanyl overdose?
• How does fentanyl compare to heroin or other opiates?

View more FAQ

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer