Investigation and a pending class action lawsuit against Cephalon, Inc. claiming the company's marketing and sales of the drug Actiq are inappropriate and medically unnecessary.
Actiq, a drug administered to patients as a lollipop instead of a pill, has FDA approval for use in cancer patients whose pain could not be managed by other narcotic based drugs. However, Cephalon has been marketing and selling the drug for use in non-terminal cancer patients to treat general headaches and pains the suit alleges. Cephalon allegedly engaged in an unlawful and deceptive marketing scheme targeted towards a wide range of doctors, including general practitioners, neurologists and sports medicine specialists.
The class action complaint seeks damages in the form of third party and consumer payments that should not have been made and would not have but for the Cephalon's alleged illegal marketing.
Do not change medications without first consulting your doctor.