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Over 107,000 Americans died of a drug-related overdose last year, but payers have yet to step up to boost access to lifesaving treatment. This community flyer provides general information about fentanyl and resources to fight the fentanyl crisis. Many fake pills are made to look just like prescription Xanax (bars), Percocet (perk), opioids (painkillers) like Vicodin and Oxycodone (oxy), and stimulants like Adderall (addy). Any time a person consumes an illicit pill in the age of fentanyl, they risk dying. Dr. Susan Sherman and Dr. Traci Green have long focused on improving the health of marginalized populations, including people with substance use disorders, sex workers and people with HIV.
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Availability
You can read all about fentanyl test strips and how to use them correctly here. Even if you’ve used them before, the information on this page is still important. Fentanyl test strips aren’t perfect, but most people find them easy to use. The best way to use them is to dissolve all the drugs you plan to use in water. Fentanyl might not be everywhere evenly in your product, so if you only test a portion of your supply you might end up missing it. Most are at least 96% accurate in detecting fentanyl as well as many fentanyl analogs (drugs that are chemically similar but not identical to fentanyl).
In addition to naloxone (e.g., Narcan), fentanyl test strips are a proven way to help reduce overdoses and death as a result of fentanyl. Xylazine may be mixed in with other illicit drugs for several reasons, including increasing drug weight or adding an effect. People who use drugs may not be aware of the presence of xylazine in their drug product. There are limitations to xylazine and fentanyl drug checking strips because illicit drugs are not evenly mixed. This means that fentanyl and/or xylazine may still be present in a drug product, even when a portion of the product tested with drug checking strips does not react.
- To obtain Narcan or fentanyl test strips please check the locations below.
- For example, substances that were formerly sold as heroin in Massachusetts are almost entirely illicitly manufactured fentanyl.
- Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Cronin told us that Gordon Jin would often slip fentanyl past U.S.
- The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author, BDLM.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is often used in medical settings for pain management. It is significantly stronger than morphine and can produce powerful effects, which is why it is critically important to understand its implications before considering its purchase.
Learn how to use a fentanyl test strip with these shareable infographics, developed by PONI, available for download in English and in Español. Ashley Perry, Intervention Case Manager from Project Weber/RENEW, explains how to use a fentanyl test strip. If you know or think someone is struggling with addiction, ask them if you can help. Your concern might be just what they need to start their recovery journey, and your support could make all the difference in their success.
This means it can block opioid receptors in the body and reverse an opioid overdose for minutes. It is a temporary treatment – so you should still call 911 if someone responds to the medicine. Fentanyl has been found in not just heroin, but cocaine, methamphetamine, counterfeit pills, and other street drugs.
Medical Use of Fentanyl
The amount of seized fentanyl in Oregon’s high intensity drug trafficking areas (HIDTA) increased from 690 dosage units (counterfeit pills) in 2018 to more than 2 million in 2022. Fentanyl has now surpassed methamphetamine as the most frequent drug involved in overdose deaths in Oregon. Free naloxone nasal spray is being provided to individuals in the community and first responders to help combat the opioid crisis and reverse overdose deaths. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be up to 100 times as powerful as morphine and up to 50 times as powerful as heroin. Fentanyl testing strips and related education allows people to better understand their risk of an overdose. But even in the controlled conditions of a hospital, there is still a risk that using fentanyl can reduce breathing rates to dangerously low levels, the main cause of opioid overdose deaths.
So far this year, more than 5,000 overdoses have been reversed with NARCAN® distributed through this program. NARCAN® also can be purchased at more than 500 pharmacies without a prescription under a standing order. Locations where NARCAN® is available can be found on the DHS website. DHS also encourages hepatitis C and HIV screening as part of an ongoing drug user health initiative. The Massachusetts state Senate voted unanimously to legalize fentanyl test strips across the commonwealth earlier this month.
Michael Marquesen first noticed about a year ago that fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid, had hit the streets of Los Angeles. People suddenly started overdosing after they shot up a new white powder that dealers promised would give them a powerful high. A Vermont health care center has announced it will start giving away free test strips to determine if a drug contains fentanyl.
In controlled environments, fentanyl is prescribed for:
- Severe pain management after surgery
- Chronic pain conditions
- Palliative care for terminal illnesses
Can You Buy Fentanyl?
The question arises, can you buy fentanyl? The answer is complex and depends on various factors:
1. Legal Regulations
In most countries, fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, making it illegal to purchase without a prescription. This regulation is in place to prevent misuse and potential overdose.
2. Prescription Requirement
If you are seeking to purchase fentanyl legally, you must have a prescription from a licensed medical professional. Attempts to buy it without a prescription are illegal and dangerous.
3. Illicit Sources
While there are illegal channels through which individuals may attempt to obtain fentanyl, these are highly discouraged for several reasons:
- Risk of receiving counterfeit or contaminated substances
- Legal repercussions including arrest and prosecution
- Increased risk of overdose and death
Risks Associated with Fentanyl
Purchasing fentanyl outside of medical supervision poses significant health risks:
- Overdose potential: Fentanyl is much more potent than traditional opioids, increasing the risk of overdose, which can be fatal.
- Dependence and addiction: Use of fentanyl can lead to physical dependence, escalating misuse and addiction.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Stopping fentanyl abruptly can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.
FAQs
Can you buy fentanyl safely online?
No, purchasing fentanyl online without a prescription is illegal and dangerous. Many online sources are unregulated and may sell counterfeit drugs.
What should I do if I need fentanyl for pain management?
Consult your healthcare provider to discuss your pain management options. If fentanyl is deemed appropriate for your condition, they will provide a prescription.
What are the side effects of fentanyl?
Common side effects include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Respiratory depression
Conclusion
In summary, while the question can you buy fentanyl may arise in discussions about pain management, it is essential to understand the legal and health implications. Always consult a healthcare professional before considering any use of this powerful drug.
