Actiq aware call by NPS

Actiq is an oromucosal formulation for the control of breakthrough cancer pain where escalating doses of morphine cause intolerable adverse effects. It is available on the PBS from 1 April.

NPS chief executive officer Dr Lynn Weekes said the lozenges should only be used by people who are stabilised on regular opioid therapy for underlying persistent cancer pain and avoided in "opioid-naïve" patients due to the risk of respiratory depression.

She said pharmacists should instruct patients and carers on the correct use, storage and disposal of Actiq to help prevent accidental or deliberate misuse.

Intact or partially used lozenges can be fatal if consumed by a child, so it's imperative to keep them out of the sight and reach of children, Dr Weekes said.