Actiq and Fentora Lawsuits
Mobile, Alabama
The Mobile, Alabama defective drug lawyers at Long & Waite are currently accepting cases related to injuries caused by the drugs Actiq and Fentora. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury from one of these drugs, we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
What are Actiq and Fentora?
Actiq is an opioid narcotic prescribed to cancer patients. It is approved by the FDA specifically for treatment of breakthrough pain in cancer patients. The drug, which is delivered to the bloodstream via a lollipop lozenge, is only safe for opioid tolerant patients. Actiq has been manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Cephalon since 2000.
Like Actiq, Fentora is an opioid drug approved by the FDA specifically for the treatment of breakthrough pain in cancer patients. Cephalon also produces Fentora.
Problems Associated with Actiq and Fentora
Industry reports indicate that both Actiq and Fentora have very high instances of off-label use. In fact, by 2007, Actiq was being prescribed for off-label uses approximately 90% of the time. The term “off-label use” refers to the use of a drug to treat a condition for which it has not received FDA approval. While it is acceptable for doctors to prescribe drugs for off-label uses, pharmaceutical companies are prohibited from marketing their products for unapproved conditions.
The primary off-label uses for Actiq and Fentora have been the treatment of migraine headaches and back pain.
Actiq and Fentora are unsafe for patients who are not opioid tolerant. Both drugs contain the ingredient Fentanyl, which has been linked to fatal respiratory conditions. The FDA has received reports of 127 deaths linked to Actiq usage, and 91 other patients have reported suffering serious side effects from the drug. Several deaths have been linked to the use of Fentora as well.
Dishonest Practices by Cephalon
In response to the mounting death toll associated with these two drugs, Cephalon sent a “Dear Doctor” letter explaining that several patients treated with Actiq and Fentora have experienced serious side effects, including death. In the letter, Cephalon accused medical professionals of improper patient selection, improper dosing, and improper product substitution.
When the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations and the U.S. Attorney General launched an investigation of Cephalon’s marketing tactics, they discovered that Cephalon trained its sales representatives to disregard the FDA’s restricted list of approved uses for these drugs. This led to an aggressive marketing campaign promoting several off-label uses of Actiq and Fentora. As a result, sales of Actiq reached over $500 million by 2006.
Experienced Defective Drug Representation
Our lawyers have a great deal of experience handling pharmaceutical injury claims, and we can help you receive the compensation you deserve if you or a loved one has suffered a serious or fatal injury from taking Actiq or Fentora. We understand that this is a very traumatic time for you, and we will handle your defective drug claim with compassion and sensitivity while we aggressively pursue your settlement.
If you have an Actiq or Fentora claim, please contact our Mobile defective drug lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation. Long & Waite serves clients in Mobile, Alabama.