Actiq for migraine

The controversy and debate surrounding the painkiller Actiq is actually pretty typical.  In the United States, the drug has been approved for specific cancer pain, known as “breakthrough pain”.  This would include sudden and severe pain in a cancer patient that is already on strong painkillers.  But the drug is also used (legally) for other kinds of pain, including migraine.  This has caused some concern, which has caused some migraine patients to roll their eyes and insist that if it helps it should be considered as an option.

Migraine patients with severe pain are used to such controversy – drugs being denied them because some people abuse them.  And Actiq does have the potential to be abused – it’s a very strong opioid that’s found its way to the streets as “perc-o-pops”.  It can be very addictive, causing rebound headache and worse.

Doctors can prescribe Actiq for things other than cancer pain.  There has been concern because of two things – 1. It seems that 90% of prescriptions have been for other things and 2. It was often used before less dangerous and better options.  In the case of migraine, there’s a large arsenal of options, and Actiq should be a long way down the list.

So please do be cautious about Actiq.  There have been some small “pilot” trials for its use with migraine, but it’s still very new and untried.  The official information from Actiq warns not to use for short term pain, among other cautions.  This doesn’t mean it’s wrong or irresponsible for your doctor to prescribe Actiq.  However, before your doctor writes out a prescription for Actiq, she should know your medical history and she should have tried a host of other options.

It’s also worth mentioning that there have been accidents with children taking Actiq.  The drug is taken like a “lollipop”, and your child may think it’s candy.  Keep it out of reach.