Understanding Fentanyl
To do this, make a fist, and press your pointed knuckles into the sternum (the flat bone in the center of the chest), moving up and down with pressure. Do not inflict pain in other ways such as hitting – a sternum rub is the most effective method and does not cause additional harm. People who use drugs that may contain Fentanyl should always carry or have access to Narcan, the lifesaving Opioid overdose drug also known as Naloxone. Narcan can be found in local pharmacies across the state and is available to anyone over 18 at no cost. Here is a map showing all the locations where FentCheck™ venues have fentanyl test strips available. That’s according to police and local advocates working with people who use drugs.
Our aim is to keep students safe and reduce the risk of overdose death. Naloxone and Fentanyl Test Strips are available confidentially and at no cost. That being said, those fighting substance use disorders who are willing to take the potentially fatal risks that come with consuming illicit pills can reduce their chances of overdosing by using FTS. Please note that if you do not use drugs frequently or daily, it is not necessary to request more than a couple test strips from free harm reduction programs. FTS may result in false positives or false negatives from manufacturing errors or if you do not follow instructions like diluting more when testing for the type of drug you are using.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often used medically to treat severe pain, especially in cancer patients or those recovering from major surgery. However, its illicit use has raised serious concerns due to its potency and the risk of overdose.
Where Can You Buy Fentanyl?
More than 30 years of evidence looking at providing sterile syringes to people who inject drugs shows people will use drugs, whether or not they have access to clean supplies. If they don’t have access to clean syringes, they may reuse or share needles, which increases their risk for HIV, hepatitis C and wounds. There’s no clear way to tell by sight, taste or smell that something has fentanyl. By testing their drugs, people can know what they’re taking and take steps to be safer, like getting Narcan. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we had more people in the Bay Area die from fentanyl than COVID-19, so fentanyl overdoses are really impacting our community. UC San Francisco Volunteer Assistant Clinical Professor in Clinical Pharmacy Tessa Rife-Pennington, PharmD, BCGP, works at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center and with UCSF’s Addiction Research Program.
It is a rapid, qualitative screening test that quickly and reliably detects Fentanyl at cut-off levels above 200 ng/mL. This drug test can provide accurate and fast results as soon as 1 minute. To learn more about your new benefits, your welcome packet, and what to do if you have an urgent health care issue please visit the New to Oregon Health Plan web page. There is no way to know how much fentanyl is in something based on look, smell, or taste. Any opioid pill not from a pharmacy is highly likely to be fake and contain fentanyl.
I only need to be concerned about fentanyl if I am using certain drugs like heroin. This is likely not a new trend, and numerous vendors possibly also deal with other drug substances alongside fentanyl. Vendor clusters with Bitcoin payments to fentanyl suppliers have also been identified interacting with dark web marketplaces that have since gone offline, such as Silk Road and Hydra. It was more effective using words like “Percs” or “Percocet “or “Oxy’s” rather than opioids or opiates.
It’s critical to understand the proper avenues for purchasing fentanyl. The following options outline legitimate sources for obtaining this medication:
- Prescription from a Licensed Doctor: The most important and safest way to buy fentanyl is through a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. This ensures that you are receiving the appropriate dosage and form for your condition.
- Pharmacies: Once you have a prescription, fentanyl can be obtained from pharmacies that are licensed to dispense controlled substances. Always verify the credentials of the pharmacy.
- Medical Facilities: Hospitals and specialized clinics that treat pain management may administer fentanyl directly or provide it under controlled circumstances in compliance with the law.
Allowing users to test their drugs does not encourage or condone illegal drug use, but it does save lives and provides a chance for substance use disorder treatment and recovery, O’Neal said. The opioid is many times more potent than heroin and has contributed to a sharp increase in overdose deaths. Around them, a few people openly injected dope, as an occasional pedestrian threaded past. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs.
Most counterfeit pills resemble oxycodone 30mg pills (M30s), but they can also look like hydrocodone, alprazolam (Xanax), Adderall, and other medications. These are photos of counterfeit pills collected from a drug seizure in Oregon. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin. It is short acting and cannot be seen, tasted or smelled when mixed into other drugs.
Help the people in your life understand the risks of opioid use by getting the facts for yourself. In Philadelphia, fentanyl is often found in heroin and pressed pills (Xanax, oxys, percs) and could contaminate other drugs like cocaine, crack, and other stimulants. Demographic information for participants was gathered using chart abstraction of Action Wellness files.
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Illicit Sources: A Dangerous Alternative
- It must be introduced into the bloodstream or a mucus membrane in order for someone to feel the effects.
- Xylazine Test Strips (XTS) are a tool to test drugs for the presence of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer.
- Kids, for example, might get a pill at a party, and it may look legitimate, but it’s not.
- According to the report, most of this fentanyl originates in China.
- As fentanyl floods the illicit drug market, the price for a pill has dropped substantially in the past few years.
While there are legitimate avenues to obtain fentanyl, some individuals may seek to buy it through illegal channels. This poses significant health risks, including the possibility of overdose and exposure to counterfeit products. Potential illicit sources might include:
- Dark Web: Some individuals attempt to purchase fentanyl through online dark web marketplaces. This is illegal and highly dangerous due to the risk of receiving counterfeit drugs.
- Street Dealers: In many urban areas, fentanyl can be found on the street. This is extremely risky as the quality and dose cannot be guaranteed, resulting in a high chance of overdose.
Health Risks and Legal Consequences
Buying fentanyl through illicit means carries considerable legal risks and health hazards:
- Overdose Risk: Fentanyl is significantly more potent than morphine; even a small amount can lead to respiratory failure and death.
- Legal Troubles: Possession of fentanyl without a prescription is illegal in many jurisdictions and can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
FAQs About Buying Fentanyl
Can you buy fentanyl without a prescription?
No, it is illegal to purchase fentanyl without a valid prescription in most countries.
What should you do if you are prescribed fentanyl?
Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and obtain your medication from a licensed pharmacy.
What are the symptoms of fentanyl overdose?
Symptoms may include slowed breathing, extreme drowsiness, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or death. Call emergency services immediately if overdose is suspected.
Conclusion
It is essential to approach the topic of purchasing fentanyl with caution and responsibility. Always seek the guidance of a healthcare professional and avoid illicit sources to protect your health and well-being.
