I use the lollipops...they come in 200mcg, 400mcg, 600mcg, 800mcg, and 1600mcg. They work almost INSTANTLY and Director is correct in that they are expensive. However, there are generics now and the price is coming down. They are the perfect compliment to the patch in that it's the same active ingredient, assuming you respond well to it.

There is also a new drug made by the same company called "fentora." Same concept as the pops except that it comes in a lozenge. It's place next to the gum (like the pop) but dissolves faster. Cephelon came out with this right when there patent expired with the pops (Actiq). Nothing but a strategy to keep the price up. I like the pops best (Actiq) because you can titrate the med...meaning, once you achieve enough pain relief, you can take the pop out... I actually save mine for future use. Conversely, with a pill or liquid med, you have to take a predetermined amount.

I also take "Oxyfast" which is liquid Oxycodone 20mg per dropper. Also sold under the brand name "Roxicodone" and there a plenty of very cheap generics. Comes in a 30cc bottle, or 30 one dropper doses. Each dropper has four lines on it....5, 10, 15,& 20mg. Each line represents the equal of one percocet. Thus, one dropper equals 4 percs. One bottle equals 120 percs, but liquid of course. Works within 5-10 minutes.

Any type of pill takes 30-45 minutes to hit your system.

Hope this helps.

Not to bore everyone over and over with my stuff, but I use Fentanyl 75 mcg every two days. For BT, I use Actiq 800 mcg AND Dilaudid (hydromorphone) 8 mg--both as needed, of course. The Actiq and Dilaudid work very well as BT pain medications because they are potent. Fortunately, I haven't had to adjust the dose in nearly 10 years. For that, I am tremendously thankful.

As I've seen mentioned on this board, we must have a reasonable expectation of pain relief--that usually comes in around a 50% reduction in pain levels. My pain is a result from Systemic Lupus and the Lupus Anticoagulant. Finally, I don't like to admit to it, but it is a fact--I am on permanent disability due to this combination of enjoyable diseases. But, I have to remind myself to get a grip on a regular basis!!

Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)