Actiq (Lollipop Painkiller) Lawyers


BACKGROUND: November 2, 2006. Jacob Stiles was crowned Southern Methodist's University's Mr. University after he danced the 'Cha-Cha Slide,' read 'How to Date an SMU Girl,' and strutted in formal and sports wear. Hailing from Naperville, Ill., the sophomore majored in economics and psychology. Fast-forward to December 2, 2006. Jake was found dead by friends in his room at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house . His killer? A mixture of drugs, including a lollipop containing synthetic opiate fentanyl. WHAT IS ACTIQ?: Having a berry flavored taste, the lollipop painkiller comes in gray, blue, orange, purple, green and burgundy plastic handles to indicate the different dosages. It is a formulation of fentanyl citrate that is most effective when consumed in 15 minutes. Actiq's main ingredient, fentanyl citrate, is intended to be used as a painkiller for people who have trouble swallowing, and this synthetic opiate can be 80-times to 100-times more powerful than morphine. PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH ACTIQ: This highly addictive lollipop has been linked to 47 deaths across the United States. Although the FDA approved it in 1998 for cancer patients, more then 80 percent of lollipop users don't have cancer. Because it contains a large amount of sugar and flavoring, people who consume several lollipops a day often experience weight gain and tooth decay. Other side effects may include hot flashes , dizziness, constipation and rash. It has addictive qualities similar to those of heroin. The drug is sold on the street for between $30 and $40.

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