FDA Allows Off-Label Narcotic Sales
The narcotic lollipop known as Actin, made by Cephalon, is approved to treat cancer pain. Its sales are booming, likely to hit 600 million dollars this year. Fewer than 20% of the drug sales are for cancer pain. Most are for off-label use such as headache, remedies widely promoted by the company’s sales force and in company-sponsored physician training vacations. The sales crew also promotes starting patients on eight times the recommended starting dose.
Connecticut Attorney General, Richard Blumenthal, is actively investigating the issue....
