Actiq Lawsuit Filed Over Tooth Decay from Fentanyl Lollipops

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A Texas man has filed a lawsuit against Cephalon over its Actiq fentanyl lollipop, saying the sugary painkiller rotted his teeth. The Actiq lollipops, which contain a powerful pain medication in a lozenge on the end of a stick, have also been connected with a number of fentanyl overdose deaths.

The Actiq lawsuit was filed earlier this month by Greg Lee Minckley, in the District Court for the 419 Judicial District of Travis County, Texas. The complaint alleges that the sugar in the Actiq fentanyl lollipops destroyed his teeth and resulted in $37,000 in extensive dental treatment, according to Courthouse News Service. Minckley was prescribed the fentanly lollipops to treat pain caused by pancreatitis, which is not an approved use for the strong painkiller.

Actiq lollipops (fentanyl citrate) are designed to slowly release the potent drug over time as the patient holds the lollipop in their mouth. Minckley alleges that Cephalon developed a sugar-free version of the lollipops, but decided not to market it.

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Spinal Cord Stimulator lawsuits

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Actiq side effects have also been linked to other serious and potentially fatal fentany injuries, beyond causing tooth decay. As a result of the candy-like nature of the lollipops, there have been a number of fentanyl overdoses and deaths, including users who took too much of the medication and young children who found the fentanyl lollipops and mistook them for candy.

Although Actiq is only approved for the treatment of cancer pain in patients who have already grown tolerant to other opioids, Cephalon has been criticized for marketing the drug in a way that led to off-label sales.

Earlier this month, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by a Cephalon shareholder, which alleged the company illegally promoted the drug off-label. According to a story by BNET Pharma Blog, the company did not dispute the off-label marketing charges, which claimed that sales reps aggressively marketed the drug for other uses, but got the lawsuit dismissed because the shareholder, Jerald King, was unable to tie the actions of Cephalon marketing staff to the company’s board members.

It has been estimated that more than 80% of Actiq users received the medication “off-label” and do not have cancer. The FDA was concerned enough about the power of the lollipops and the potential of abuse that it is requiring Cephalon to alert the agency if any group of physicians who represent potential off-label use, such as doctors who are not oncologists or pain specialists, account for more than 15% of its sales.

Tags: Actiq, Cephalon, Fentanyl, Fentanyl Overdose
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146 Comments

Wendy
I am having the same problems as everyone else, but I brushed, flossed & rinsed after every dose & still I need at least $40K worth of work done to my teeth. I was run over by a drunk driver 18 years ago while standing in a drive~way, 9 operations later… Well in 2004 I was prescribed Actiq for my never ending back pain @ Walter Reed(I know I’m not the only military member having this problem), my doc had warned me about the sugar, so I took every precaution, but no luck. I was always smiling before my teeth started rotting, breaking off, etc. I still smile, but it isn’t the same, I’m embarrased to show my teeth, my self esteem is shot. I want my smile AND self esteem back! Where do I turn, I live in the Washington DC suburbs so there are many lawyers, but I don’t know which one I should hire. I don’t want to waste time I don’t have… Good Luck to everyone!!!
joe
I have used actiq snce its introduction until june of 2010 , I has destroyed all of my theese leaving me with over 60k in damage for omplants.
jim
I have been on Actiq 1600 MCG or the generic equivalent for several years. I currently take several per day for brake through pain in concert with Oxycontin 80 MG. I have had numerous teeth to fail as a result of the product. I have been turned down by one attorney to try and recover the damages to my teeth. I have tried to have a compounding pharmacy make me some of the transmucosal suckers with artificial sweeteners but all declined to do so. I have tried to have them made in other states where they were advertised online but they said they were unable to ship them over state lines. Have any of you had any luck with compounding pharmacies making these for you or been able to secure legal representation? Best wishes for a happy healthy New Year!
edwin
I had all good teath and no dental isssues untill starting actiq for pain from military (disabled vet) lost 6 teath and the rest are very bad and going , I want permanent teeth, i want a class action
Joel
I can’t believe there’s still no change after about 7 years of the “improved” drug matrix. At the very least, the FDA could step in and MAKE Cephalon produce a sugar-free version. I didn’t even realize what was happening until teeth started getting pulled. I finally found the secret ingredient (sucrose or whatever) by reading the Physician’s Pamphlet… Thats crap should have a BIG WARNING on the front…. I was referred to a doctor who, like William, was crooked. I had no idea what kind of drugs I was taking. I still remember this guy telling me that Actiq was “the cat’s meow”. I should have walked out right then. But I was only 24 and in serious pain and he was more that willing to give me Oxycontin 80mg 3xday and #30 2400mcg Actiq on the FIRST VISIT (not like I knew what that meant at the time)! I’m glad that guy lost his license and I hope he pays for any patient that died under his care. For any people who are still out there using this crap, there is a company in FL called “Avinza” that could prepare liquid fentanyl for oral absorbtion, if you can talk you PMD into going that route, but it ain’t cheap ($10k a year) and insurance doesn’t cover it. Best of luck to you all.
David
I too have had tons of teeth lost, root canals, etc. it costs tons of money & you like trailor park trash. Try to get work or do well in work, especially sales, when you look like that. it messes with your marriage, sex life, everything.
Denise
I also was prescribed the lollipops. I have had SEVERE chronic pain as the result of a car accident. Multiple levels of my back were so damaged that I could no longer control my bladder or rectal sphincter. After several years of trying various medications to try to control my horrible pain (I also have RSD, Fibromyalgia and other neuropathic pain), I was prescribed the fentanyl. I worked for my pain, however at age 38 I can no longer eat anything that doesn’t disolve in my mouth. I haven’t been able to chew food for the past year and a half. Every single one of my teeth on the sides of my mouth have cavities. Some so bad that there is just a gross stump of decay where my tooth was. I brushed my teeth everyday but I still am now plaqued by massive tooth pain. The kicker is that because I am unable to eat good food, (i.e.: salad, meat, fresh fruit) I have developed diabetes. The only foods that will disolve are things like jello, mashed potatoes, you get the idea. Not exactly the best things for a balanced diet. I got an estimate and I was shocked that it will cost almost $40,000 to fix my teeth. I don’t want dentures at 38! My insurance doesn’t cover this kind of work. They consider it “cosmetic”! What am I supposed to do? Isn’t it horrible that we go through such chronic pain we feel like walking in front of a bus, but then to be sideswiped with having to endure excruciating tooth pain added to our already everyday body pain? Had I known this was a possiblity I would have tried something else. I buy oragel by the case!
Vivian
I am a 52 year old woman who was diagnoised with Neuro Endocrine Tumor which is a rare cancer. They started me off with 200 mg and I ended up with 800 mg which I was percribed 8 lollipops a day. I was killing myself taking 8 lollipops a day. I got tired of living that way; so I tried getting off by myself and ended up in the hospital on Christmas Night. Also the medication totally ruined my teeth. I have a letter from my dentist and medical records stating what the medication did to my teeth and I just can’t afford to pay to get my teeth fixed.
Brittany
Product Liability Use: (2008) Life-long addiction, (2005) Hospitaliztions: (Johns Hopkins University Hospital Pain Clinic: $20K+) (Fairfax Hospital), (2006) Deep caries, a.k.a. rotted teeth, 7 molars ~$8K+) (2010) Continuous decay – molars removed+ ($12K+) Medication expense $$$: Sales Rep agressively, provided coupons.
Scott
Add me to this list. I had a head-on car accident in 2003 and a double disk fusion at C2/3 and 3/4 in 2004. On three Actiq 600’s a day for four years. Now, I too am facing multiple implants and repeat visits for fillings and lots of pain. I am checking with a few big law firms here in Las Vegas and if I find the right guys to fight for our pain and suffering…I will let you all know.
Jim
Same here. I was on Actiq for over 10 years and only stopped taking the meds. when the insurance stopped paying. The meds work, just need a different media applicator. I lost all but 10 teeth and have x-rays, bone scans and dentist, doctor reports. They all are keeping quiet on the problem. We all need to remember, “it is not your fault”. I feel guilty for having this problem of ‘meth-moouth’. We did not do this to our selfs. Someone did this to us. I agree we need compensation for the life altering conditions we all now live with. I am here and not going away. The law firm that takes lead will become multi-millionaires. jb
Yvonne
I feel your pain on multiple levels as I suffer from chronic pain due to multiple cervical spine conditions for which I was prescribed Actiq and now I have multiple dental issues consequently. The biggest issue for me is the lack of warning about the danger of Actiq’s use and the fact that due to my disability preventing me from earning an income, I don’t have the resources to pay for these damages. Worst of all, even tho I stopped using Actiq several years ago and took excellent care of my teeth before during, and afterwards its consequential damage continues to ruin my teeth. After reading the postings on the website it doesn’t sound as if there currently exists a class action lawsuit for the victims. I am somewhat shocked by this and don’t understand why not?
julie
I was advised by my dentist that it is the fentanyl in the Actiq that inhibits blood flow around the teeth and gumline and bone. This causes decay at the gumline and decay from the inside out. I think many of us noticed that the visible decay started at the gumline, not typical of sugar type cavities that usually have some development of decay on the top of molars. I can’t be certain at this time, however, I feel the manufacturer did not develop the sugar free version of Actiq because they knew they could blame tooth decay on the sugar instead of the fentanyl actions within the body. I wish someone were smart enough to research this and get some action started against Actiq manufacturer.
Julie
I was given the Actiq lollipops since I was allergic to the glue in the Duragesic fentanyl patch. After using the lolipops for awhile, I started to get cavities at the gum line. Never before have I had a cavity at the gum line, nor so many cavities, decay and infection. Well fillings didn’t hold at the gum line. Then all the teeth were crowned. I continued the Actiq, as I wasn’t aware of any other pain med that would control my pain., Well, somehow the Actiq gets under the crowns and destroys the teeth and bone structure. Crowns started to break off. Recently, I have had so many root canals, bone grafts and bridgework for the teeth that may be able to be usable for bridges. But who knows if the bridges will last. Later down the line, those will probably need implants which I cant afford. I quit using actiq just over a year ago, but the damage has already progressed too far. I try to get dental work done now little by little when I can afford to. It is so costly. I had no idea that the Actiq affects the bone structure as well as the teeth. I spent $20,000 to get off the Actiq in a detox center. This situation is ludicrous. The company should have alerted the doctors and patients about these issues and discouraged off label use. $120,000 plus for the yearly cost of the Actiq, and they encouraged off label use, not emphasizing the bone and teeth problems which is unavoidable under any circumstances. I wish I could file a lawsuit. At least Duragesic company advised me not to use the patch when I was allergic to the glue, but I would rather have dealt with the allergic reactions than these teeth problems.
Shante
I have mainly lost all my teeth due to taking dilantin, because when taking this medication it would swell my gums causing them to bleed badly. During the time my gums were swollen, all of my teeth were pushed out of place and easily rottening out, and I would like to know can i file a lawsuit? Because I would really like some help with my mouth.
Ira
I have been on Actiq for years, except for those periods when my medicare part D insurance company stopped paying, I was lucky enough to get switched over to a lower dose of Fentora with coupons supplied by the drug company. I just had one tooth extracted due to tooth decay and the tooth next to it must also be extracted. Due to problems numbing the area, I’ve had to see an oral surgeon. I was totally unaware about this side affect and must now decide whether to continue taking a medicine that’ll kill my teeth or stop it and lose the quality of life I’ve gained by taking Actiq. Cephalon has been irresponsible; their only concern has been one of profit. Until our lawmakers begin protecting their citizens, this kind of irresponsible behavior will continue and will flourish. These companies must be held accountable!! I only hope and pray that America wakes up and begins caring for their citizenship!!!
Bett
You should move to Canada. Free medical. I don’t see what any of your problems have to do with Zinc overload.
Diane
I have major bone problems, degenative disc disease, dual hip replacements that won’t work properly due to the weight caused by the steriods that have been injected into my lower spine. I have restless leg sydrome, surgery on both wrist, left elbow, rt. shoulder, neck, 4 disc replaced in the spine. the bones won’t hold the rods due to the crumbling spine. I have major arthritis in all the areas.. I have fibermyalsis and in pain all the time. I was on ACTIQ until I could not longer afford it since Medicare doesn’t pay for it. After being on Actiq pops for several years, my teeth which had not prblms. starting rotting at the base of the teeth – all of them and I had beautiful straight teeth and a very pretty smile (I had been told). So last year I had to have them all pulled and fault teeth put in. Also, my large intesting quite working and had to be removed. The pops worked concerning my pain and now that I don’t have $800. per month to pay for them, I cry alot for the pain. Morphine makes my stomach sick. There’s a big trade off. I just don’t know whats worst.
Doug
Same story different victim. In 2003 my pain doctor prescribed Actiq in conjunction with fentanyl patches for pain from Crohns disease. Had a hard time getting the patches to stick so I relied on the lollipops for relief. Fast forward a year and half at my biyearly dental checkup. After xrays and a cleaning my dentist came in and literally said what the hell is going on? You have 24 surfaces (cavities). It’s been downhill since for my teeth. Tried to get my doc to change pain killers many times but no luck, i definitely think there was financial compensation for docs to prescribe. It is not even that good of a painkiller and only lasts for approx 1 hour. Also, the price is extreme! I’m convinced I became a target for firing after my company became self insured (lollipops cost about $70,000 a year for my prescription) I could have gotten better pain relief with a couple hundred dollars/year of hydromorphone, oxymorphone, levomorphanol, etc without half my teeth falling out. I don’t believe all of the decay is only caused by just the sugar content. Lots of people have serious candy, gum and cola habits and don’t suffer the tooth decay seen with this product. Some of the damage is due to the massive dry mouth that fentanyl causes. If rotting teeth is not bad enough wait until you try to quit fentanyl. The side effects and the addiction were worse than the pain. After a failed attempt or two I suceeded but it was tough. I was in detox with lots of heroin and oxycontin users and they didn’t suffer near as much. Good luck everyone
William
I wont share a long story that is identical to everyone elses. The only difference is my age and a few minor details. My dr who insisted I use the pops for breakthru pain is no longer a practicing dr. He has had his license revoked or suspended. What the cephalon (actiq makers) leave out along with the drs are, once you take actiq on a regular basis, your other pain medication does not work as well and sometimes at all. Point is, once you take pops you cannot just change your mind and go back to a pill to maintain or manage your pain without having incredible discomfort. IE. Withdrawels. The pills do not work after fentanyl has been working in your system for a period of time. Its a tolerance that prevents your standard tolerance go through the roof. Actiq says in there paperwork (must be opiate tolerant). Well after the pops your definitely beyond opiate tolerant. Which is probably why actiq got away with literally starting at $16 per pop and now charges $75 per pop Bottomline, Im 35 and single. Im considered a good looking guy. Reason I add that in is because I have no confidense left. My teeth are shot! And they are the exact teeth that the pop would be twirling next to on the cheek. Out of no where your teeth just decay, crack, and fallout in a span of a year when using Actiq! I cannot take a girl out to dinner because I refuse to take a tooth out while I eat my meal. Plus the few teeth that are left and beginning to decay towards the front cause me to not be able to smile with an honest genuine smile. Instead I keep my mouth closed and smirk. I hate it! Can we hopefully update this page if anyone at all hears of an attorney that can help? This article above didnt really make sense to me. Did the guy file a lawsuit due to his own teeth? Has he wan the lawsuit? Has anyone considered calling attorneys who represent lawsuits against the fentanyl patches? Maybe they would be interested.
James
I have lost all of my teeth and it has destroyed what little life participation in life that i had.Works good,great even but never knew the price.
Eloydia
After reading all the information regarding Actiq Pops, I was very appalled at the incidents regarding this medication that have caused mega pain and suffering to not only people but their pocketbooks. I am ashamed to admit that I also have fallen as a victim to this drug. The pain doctor who started me on Actiq had developed his own lollipop. With the assistance of a pharmacist, he made Fentanyl in a different type of homemade medication with a name of Fentanyl Pops. This med was given to me after a Lumbar Intradiscal Electrothermal Annuloplasty was performed. I recall that since it was given to me postoperative no written information was provided. The verbal instructions were minimal with no warnings or adverse reactions noted. I continued to use this drug for two years with this doctor, who was my friend and colleague. we had a falling-out and I transferred my care to another pain specialist who started me on Actiq Lollipops. Even then I started having problems with my teeth but they were minimal. If you feel stupid, don’t because I am a nurse with a masters degree and have worked with hundreds of doctors and attorneys. I will attempt to seek help, but I won’t promise anything. I worked with an attorney who took a class action suit on clients who had dental surgery with a type of product repairing their TempoMandibularJoint disorder. This product dissolved the base of the skull and into the brain. It was so painful people committed suicide. Anyway, I know it is possible to have someone who will represent all of us in this horrible situation. Please pray and have hope that there is an attorney who will represent all of us so we will have justice. By the way, I have had all but four of my teeth pulled because they are totally decayed. I started having problems with my teeth at 57 years of age.
Pierre
I was prescribed Actiq for breakthrough pain, when Oxycontin 80 mg 3 times daily didn’t cover the pain. I have been on the Oxycontin for severe head pain related to a car accident in 1999. The Actiq was added about 2 years ago. In these 2 short years, ALL of my previously perfect teeth have been damaged. Several root canals have been performed and I am told I will be needing to have reconstructive work done on ALL of my teeth. My dental insurance only covers up to $1,000 per year, but I feel the manufacturer of this product should bear the cost of this, as I was never warned of the potential for such damage, and would surely never have started using this medication had I been aware of this. I feel this company assumes that most users of this product are terminally ill and won’t live long enough for this to be an issue. Well, this is an issue for me as I am only 42 and now have to live with the damage and pain caused by this product. I want the makers of this product held liable for their gross neglect and dangerous product.
Cindie
I also have had extreme trouble with tooth decay from actiq suckers. It is going to be 40,000 worth of dental work. I am 47 have always been proud of my teeth dentist told me I need to have all my teeth replaced
Sheri
I too have all the tooth problems that everyone here is experiencing. It really makes my blood boil to think that these rich drug companies have so little regard for our well being!!!! All they care about is making the largest profit they can. I read another report of a lawsuit brought against Cephelon by whistle blowers who complained about the marketing practices of the company. They charged that they were expected and forced to advise doctors to prescribe Actiq for “off-label” conditions. They were awarded 40 something million dollars!!! I think we should all get together to file a class action suit to force Cephalon to pay for our dental work and all the extra pain and suffering we have had to endure. All they needed to do was add a warning on the label to advise us that these could cause tooth decay!!!! I have always had perfect teeth now I am experiencing severe pain and losing teeth. I am unemployed and have no insurance. I can’t keep paying for this, and I DON’T WANT DENTURES!!! I’m only 46 for goodness sake!
Glennetta
My daughter had beautiful teeth. My husband and I spent money on braces and regular visits to the dentist. The doctor prescribed Actiq for her severe Crohn’s disease pain. She brushed after each one and the dentist gave her a floride rinse to use. Her teeth still broke off and decayed. They want $25,000 to fix them. She is only 33 yrs. old and doesn’t want dentures. But my husband has passed now and I just don’t have the money to help her. It seems the drug company should be libal for something. There was no warning label on this medication.
Frances
I’ve also been using OTFC/Actiq for 9 yrs, brush my teeth after each use but have still lost 1/2 of them and am losing the rest. I followed the instructions included and even brushed after EACH USE but the acididity in the fentalyn suckers is causing the decay. I desperately need my teeth fixed but don’t have insurance or the $$ to it.
John C.
My wife was on Actiq for her medical condition for more than 5 years. She always had perfect teeth, no cavities, zero plaque, no need for braces..just perfect beautiful teeth. After getting on the Actiq, her teeth started to break. One of her front teeth broke in half while eating a Pop Tart one morning. At the time, there was zero mention of the need to take extra care of your mouth while using Actiq. She has a habit of always reading the product literature when she begins a new med. She has had 4 root canals already and needs 9 more at the least. In addition, she has had to replace her front tooth with a crown and she is extremely distraught at the loss of her perfect smile not to mention the damage done to her mouth.
Sally
I had surgery on a rotator cuff in 1997. I have had to take Levaquin as I get very bad and frequent sinus and sore throats. Plus my troubled side (left side) feels like nothing has been to fix it and the pain goes down my right arm to the fingers especially hurting my elbow. The pain is going up the side of my neck. I don’t dare try to hold anything, I will surely drop it. Now the right shoulder is getting ready to go, sadly. I have antihypogammaglobulin anemia. I give myself Vivaglobin, 66 ML via infusion every Tuesday evening. Suddenly after taking Levaquin my shoulders begin to go into pain and aching and hard pain like a tooth ache, all the way down the arm. I am always in pain, always! Sometimes i wake up crying dreaming about some sad thing that has nothing to do with my shoulder but it is coming from the shoulder pain. I have taken Savella for fibromyalgia, 9pain pills I have really god bones from the bone density test. I have not had any accidents of late or hit my shoulder.
Sandra
I too have lost all of my teeth as described by many as a result of Actiq. This is not tooth loss assiciated with sugar . As stated by other patients teeth sheer off, despite every six monlth dental cleaning, checkups x rays, ect. Hammond’s comment above has arisen from ignorance. I too need an Attorney.
Deborah
PAXIL cause teeth to decay and loss of all teeth. The so called “WARNING LABEL” for PAXIL states DRYMOUTH only. It does not state that prolonged usage may cause tooth loss. I continue to use PAXIL and have dentures done. Extreme Pain of teeth removal etc. I have to decide being CRAZY & Teeth. Any attorneys in California who have had successful lawsuits against PAXIL for tooth loss?
Rolfe
My wife had been taking Actique for 5 years for breakthrough migraines resulting from brain surgery in 1990. Because her teeth started to decay at a rapid rate she has stopped using the lollipops. The estimate to repair the damage will be about $20,000. We have contacted two Law Firms. One said the damage was not severe enough to pursue and the other was not taking anymore Actique cases. Can anyone suggest a Law firm that will help?
Carol
Since 2004 we have spent over $70,000.00 on dental work as a result of Actiq and now I’m looking forward to a full upper plate and I have to complete work on lower implants which we just can’t afford.
T
I began using Actiq for chronic back pain following operations that were the result of three shattered verebrae. My doctor never mentioned the side effects, nor that I should have brushed my teeth after each “sucker”. I had no idea I putting so much sugar next to my teeth. I didn’t know the make up of the drug at that time. It took less than two years for all my teeth to become decayed. Last year, I finally paid to have 20+ cavities filled. I was told then that I would need four or more root canals at some point in the future. That time has come, and I’m angry. I shouldn’t have to pay for this out of my own pocket, when no one advised me of these issues. I, too, am looking for an attorney to help me. I contacted the drug company directly and they didn’t offer anything!
Caryn
I had the same issue with Actiq…..I had just completed a phase of braces, then my teeth starting breaking off….a direct result of Actiq.
Royce
Y can add me to the growing number of Actiq users that is now looking at total tooth replacement. But I can’t use dentures because of a bad gag reflex. So I am looking at going with inplants top and bottom to hold an upper and lower plate that will stay in permanently. They will be like having my very own teeth that I will still need to brush and take care of each day. I just don’t have the money to do it. I would guess that every tooth that I still have in my mouth has decay. So I’m on borrowed time right now and looking for an attorney that will help me as this attorney is doing on this case.
Anna
I was on dilatin too for10years and saw a dentist every year. kept my checkups and as soon as I went off of it the gums weren’t swollen anymore and they all started breaking and had decay. The dentists & Doctors agree its from the dilatin. I need alot of work done probably $16,0000.00 I am looking for a lawyer too. All the money I put in dental work in the past was for nothing and my teeth are a bloody mess
William
i have dentures bevause of actiq i would atleast like them to replace my teeth with permanent dentures where i dont have to take them in or out its embarrising having a date then your teeth fall out as your talking its all actiqs fault ive been taking them over 8 yrs
Miss Patton
I had braces all through Jr. High and then again when my Wisdom teeth came in. Then I was in a car accident in 1975 I was 16 (Michigan) the car rolled 5 times and (VW bug 73 no seat belts, had sunroof) I went half way out the sunroof on the 3rd roll and car rolled over me and was ejected on the 4th roll. I just had knee surgery from racing quarter mile flat track motorcycles and still had the hip cast on when the car accident happened. I have had 33 corrective surgeries since. 78 wire sutures removed, my back was broked in 7 pllaces, all ribs on right side, closed head injury, in a coma for 10 days. Well now some 30 years later the pain has mostly left me home bound. My pain Management Dr. gave me Actiq and the medication did work well. Then they pulled it off the market. I now have 7 teeth left and on disability of $599 a month I can’t even afford to have a cleaning, let alone extractions and dentures. Due to my parents I had a beautiful smile and it cost them a lot of money back then. Now I don’t even smile because of the embarasement. I look like I sleep under a bridge and beg for money. There is nothing worse (To me) then someone that has let there teeth go. It truely is your first impression. You smile and say hello. Then they turn there heads and walk away. By the way I am single, and with these teeth I don’t expect to draw any date’s any time soon. It’s just terrible. And, on top of the pain from the car accident I now have to deal with the pain of teeth breaking off at the gum line-just sitting there throbing all night, all day. I had wondered why this happened so quickly. From 2000 to 2005 they all just broke off and there are sign’s that the others aren’t far behinde. Well, that’s all. I hope The Cephalon Corp. does the right thing and step up and help ALL of us. Blessed be to All of US that are going through the same thing. Hang on. Pray that something good will come out of this. Miss Patton
Greg
i TOO HAVE LOST TEETH DUE TO THE USE OF aCTIQ. i HAVE HAD GOOD TOOH UNTIL i WAS PRESCRIBED aCTIQ FOR CRONIC BACK PAIN. i WAS NEVER TOLD OF THE SIDE AFFECTS, LOOSING TEETH AND HAVE BEEN PRESCRIBED aCTIQ FOR aRACHNODITIS OR FAILED BACK SURGERY SYNDROME. i HAVE HAD DENTISTS TELL ME THE DECAY OF MY TEETH WAS DUE TO aCTIQ
vergil
Iam taking dilantin and my gum bleeding and iam losing my teeth. Is there a lawsuit out there that can help me or a dentist?
Linda
I too have now lost all my teeth after being on Actiq. I have to have all my teeth pulled and replaced with dentures. I can not afford to have the work done on my mouth and have to suffer with the problem. My teeth are breaking off at the gum line. Had I known this was a side effect I would never have started this medication for pain. I only hope to find a dentist willing to help me.
hammond
How high does you IQ have to be to realize that sucking candy can rot your teeth and to use extra preventative care?
chris
can someone tell me how to get involved in a law suit i have lost most of my teeth from the actiq and is there a class action law suit i can join please let me know it’s going to cost me over $9,000.00 to get my teeth fixed please call me someone
Jennifer
I TOO WAS PRESCRIBED ACTIQ FOR CHRONIC PANCREATITIS WHICH I SUFFERED WITH FOR 12 YEARS STRAIGHT!! I WAS ON THE PATCH AS WELL BUT NEEDED THE ACTIQ FOR BREAKTHROUGH PAIN. I STARTED WITH THE 200MCG BUT OVER THE YEARS ENDED UP ON THE 1600MCG USING UP TO 6 A DAY, AS PRESCRIBED BY DOCTOR. WHEN THEY DIDN’T HAVE THE DOSAGE I NEEDED THEY WOULD DISPENSE THE DOSAGE OF HALF THE MCG SO THAT I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE TWO TO EQUAL THE PRESCRIBED AMOUNT, DOUBLE TROUBLE!! NO ONE, AND I DO MEAN NO ONE EVER SAID ONE WORD TO ME ABOUT WHAT THIS WOULD DO TO MY TEETH AND/OR GUMS. I HAVE ALREADY SPENT $5K AND HAVEN’T EVEN MADE A DENT. JUST TODAY(NOV. 5, ’09) I HAD TO HAVE 6 MAJOR TEETH REMOVED, ALREADY HAD TWO OTHERS, AND STILL NEED MUCH MORE MAJOR WORK TO SAVE WHAT I HAVE LEFT LET ALONE REPLACE THE ONES I HAVE LOST. I AM 47 YEARS OLD WITH NO ONE TO TURN TO FOR HELP. I AM LOOKING FOR AN ATTORNEY TO TAKE MY CASE WITH THIS COMPANY. THEY PUT WARNINGS ON EVERY RX YOU PICK UP AT PHARMACIES, ie. TAKE WITH FOOD, TAKE TILL GONE, etc., BUT NO WHERE AT ANY TIME WAS THERE A VERBAL OR WRITTEN WARNING FROM A PHARMACY,HOSPITAL OR DOCTOR ABOUT WHAT THIS COULD AND WOULD DO TO MY MOUTH. I HAVE FIGURED OUT THAT THE REASON THEY(THE COMPANY) WANT THIS DISPENSED TO THE TERMENIALLY ILL ONLY IS BECAUSE THEY FIGURE THE PATIENTS ARE GOING TO DIE SO THEY DON’T NEED THEIR TEETH. IT REALLY SICKENS ME TO LEARN THAT THEY HAVE HAD A SUGAR-FREE VERSION BUT THE COMPANY OPTED NOT TO MAKE IT FOR WHAT EVER REASON. THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT THEY HAVE DONE. ON TOP OF THAT, WHAT THEY CHARGE FOR THIS RX IS A CRIME IN ITSELF!!
Rebecca
I’m looking at the same problem. I was prescribed Actiq for back pain due to herniations, degenerative disc disease, etc. several years ago. The doctor suggested the medication quickly after briefly reviewing my records without suggestion of an alternative treatment. He even had a person in his office who worked closely with the drug rep to help patients locate pharmacies that carried the medication. I used it as directed by my doctor as well as according to the documentation enclosed in the packaging. Doing so has left a line of decay along the gum line, both top and bottom, on both sides of my mouth. Today a molar which had been capped following a root canal prior to actiq treatment simply broke off leaving only a flat area of decay where the base left after the root canal for the cap once sat. It wasn’t until I changed doctors that I even heard the suggestion that I should brush my teeth after finishing each dose of actiq. My new doctor changed my medication, but the damage was already done. I’m fearful that the only solution will be to pull my teeth and replace them with dentures at the age of 43.
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