Actiq (Fentanyl Citrate) Patient Information: Missed a Dose and What Should I Avoid at RxList

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May 22, 2012

Actiq

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Actiq

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Actiq Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

What happens if I miss a dose (Actiq)?

Since fentanyl citrate is used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are using the medication regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Do not use more than four Actiq units per day.

What happens if I overdose (Actiq)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine or if anyone else has accidentally swallowed it. The amount of fentanyl citrate in the Actiq unit can be fatal to a child who accidentally sucks on or swallows the unit.

Overdose symptoms may include weak pulse, fainting, shallow breathing, or breathing that stops.

What should I avoid while taking fentanyl citrate (Actiq)?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with fentanyl and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

What other drugs will affect fentanyl citrate (Actiq)?

Cold or allergy medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by fentanyl citrate. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other narcotic pain medicine.

There are many other medicines that can cause serious medical problems if you take them together with fentanyl citrate, especially:

aprepitant (Emend);
diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia, Dilacor, Tiazac);
verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan);
an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin) or erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.);
an antifungal medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or itraconazole (Sporanox); or
HIV medicines such as indinavir (Crixivan), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), nelfinavir (Viracept), or ritonavir (Norvir).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with fentanyl citrate. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about fentanyl citrate.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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