From 1 April 2008, Actiq® (fentanyl citrate lozenges) will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for breakthrough pain (BTP) in palliative care patients with cancer who are receiving opioids for persistent cancer pain, and where further escalation in the dose of morphine for breakthrough pain results in intolerable adverse effects. This new listing means that healthcare professionals can offer these patients a therapy option to help manage their BTP if they cannot tolerate increasing doses of morphine.
