How soon after starting Actiq will my symptoms improve?

Actiq (fentanyl) works within minutes. It's a synthetic opiate lozenge used to treat breakthrough pain in cancer patients already taking other opiate-type narcotics for pain. It is a lozenge on a stick that you hold in your mouth until it dissolves, usually within 15 minutes. You should get pain relief within 15 minutes to 30 minutes of using Actiq, if not sooner. If after 30 minutes your pain doesn't go away, you may be instructed to take a second Actiq lozenge. After that, you’ll need to wait four hours before you can safely use Actiq again. This drug should not be used more than four times a day. If you have breakthrough pain more than four times a day, talk to your doctor, who may be able to adjust your dose.