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This figure is particularly alarming because it can be difficult to distinguish genuine pills from fake or counterfeit versions. Check out the examples below to see how counterfeit pills can be designed to look just like genuine pharmaceuticals. No longer is the epidemic of overdoses limited to regular drug users. Today, emergency medicine experts say it’s common to treat overdosing patients who had no idea they had ingested fentanyl.
Understanding Fentanyl: Usage and Regulations
Centre on Substance Abuse (BCCSU) has revealed that nearly all substances labeled as heroin sold in Vancouver contain the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl. WHO also supports countries in monitoring trends in drug use and related harm, to better understand the scale of opioid dependence and opioid overdose. Worldwide, about 296 million people (or 5.8% of the global population aged 15–64 years) used drugs at least once in 2021. About 39.5 million people lived with drug use disorders in 2021(2).
The first wave started in the late 1990s as overdose deaths from prescription opioids increased dramatically. The second wave began in 2010 with overdose deaths related to heroin rising rapidly. The third wave started in 2013 with a sharp increase in overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl. As each wave has leveled off, a new wave has started, resulting in a relatively stable overall opioid overdose death rate since 2006. The opioid overdose epidemic is a national emergency in America [1]. Since 1999, more than 750,000 deaths have been attributed to an opioid-induced overdose [2].
The medication may not be available for same-day pickup, but it can often be ordered and available within a day or two. If a pharmacy does not have it in stock, request that it be ordered or ask if another location has it in stock. Report any issues with getting naloxone at your pharmacy here.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than morphine. It is commonly prescribed for severe pain management, especially in patients who have developed a tolerance to other opioids.
Given its potency, questions frequently arise about its availability and legal status. One common question is, can you buy fentanyl over the counter?
Syringe service programs provide support, information, naloxone, and other harm reduction supplies to people who use drugs, including people who take pills, smoke, inject, and more. Please contact your local public health authority (link) to learn more about services nearest to you. Powdered fentanyl looks just like many other drugs that come in powder form.
Ask your health care professional these questions when getting a prescription for an opioid. Wisconsin residents can request free fentanyl test strips by mail through NEXT Distro. Submit a request for fentanyl test strips to be shipped to you at no cost. Schedule 8 medicines are ‘controlled drugs’ that must meet specific conditions when being produced, supplied, distributed, owned and used. While they offer significant therapeutic benefits, they also pose a high risk of misuse, abuse and dependence.
However, liquid reagent kits and immunoassay test strips remain at the forefront of harm reduction measures due to accessibility and cost. The immunoassay test strips are of particular use in detecting fentanyl and fentanyl analogues because of the reliable detection at low concentrations and complex matrices that are often missed by spectroscopy methods [15, 16]. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids — including fentanyl. If you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about obtaining naloxone to carry and keep at home. An animal tranquilizer called xylazine is increasingly being found in the US illicit drug supply and linked to overdose deaths. Xylazine can be life-threatening and is especially dangerous when combined with opioids like fentanyl.
- Photographs were taken every 5 s of the test strip for the first 2 min (120 s) and every 10 s until 7 min (420 s).
- 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).
- Fentanyl is commonly used for pain management in clinical settings.
- Recently, a group of investigators with the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations Googled “buy fentanyl online” on the open internet, then homed in on the six sites that were most responsive to their requests.
The Legal Status of Fentanyl
Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of opioids. It can quickly save the life of someone suffering from an overdose. Xylazine is being incorporated into the illicit drug supply and is now geographically spread throughout the United States.
Fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in many countries, including the United States. This classification means:
- It has a high potential for abuse.
- It is available only through a prescription.
- Medical professionals must prescribe it for legitimate medical reasons.
Why Fentanyl is Not Available Over the Counter
The safety concerns surrounding fentanyl are significant. Reasons it cannot be purchased over the counter include:
- High Risk of Addiction: Fentanyl use carries a high risk of dependence and addiction.
- Overdose Potential: Due to its potency, the risk of overdose is substantially higher compared to other less potent pain medications.
- Improper Use: Easy access could lead to misuse by individuals who do not have a medical need for it.
Alternatives to Over-the-Counter Fentanyl
Patients seeking pain relief have various alternatives that are available without a prescription. Some of these include:
- Ibuprofen: Commonly used for mild to moderate pain.
- Acetaminophen: Effective for various types of pain, including headaches and fevers.
- Topical Analgesics: Creams or patches that can relieve localized pain.
FAQs about Fentanyl
Q: Can fentanyl be prescribed for chronic pain?
A: Yes, medical professionals may prescribe fentanyl for chronic pain management, provided other treatment options have failed.
Q: What should I do if I encounter fentanyl illegally?
A: It is crucial to report any illegal activity involving fentanyl to local law enforcement, as it poses a significant public health risk.
Q: Are there any over-the-counter medications that contain fentanyl?
A: No, there are no over-the-counter medications that legally contain fentanyl.
Conclusion
In summary, can you buy fentanyl over the counter is a question rooted in safety and legality. Fentanyl’s classification as a controlled substance ensures that it is prescribed cautiously, with medical supervision, to mitigate the risks associated with its potent effects. Always consult healthcare professionals for pain management solutions and adhere to legal regulations regarding controlled substances.
