- Recently, drug manufacturers have devised a fast, noninvasive method for stopping breakthrough pain. The product is called Actiq, and it looks like a cone-shaped lollipop, all though the FDA and the manufacturer don't want it to be referred to as a lollipop because it is not supposed to be sucked. Nonetheless, it is really a sweetened lozenge on a stick that is packed with high-powered fentanyl. Fentanyl travels through the mucosa tissue on the inside of the mouth. This is an exceptionally clever and speedy delivery system to the bloodstream and brain. The Actiq has only to be rubbed on the inside of the cheek to rush opioids to the brain. It travels faster than any other and is just about as fast as an intravenous injection of morphine. Patients say that they can feel relief from breakthrough pain within five minutes of putting the device in their mouth.
