New Tool To Combat Overdose Deaths: Fentanyl Test Strips
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Availability
However, depending on how much opioids the person has in their system, they could experience a second potentially fatal overdose because the naloxone wears off in about minutes. For this reason, we recommend the individual seek medical attention to ensure they are in the company of someone with additional naloxone in case a second overdose occurs. It’s also important for the person experiencing an overdose not to take any more drugs or alcohol within (at least) a three hour period. If you are unable to seek medical assistance, and can not stay with the person yourself, ensure they are in the company of an individual who is aware of the situation and has more naloxone.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is often prescribed for severe pain management. It is significantly stronger than morphine and can lead to high levels of dependency and addiction if misused. Due to its potency, many seek where to buy fentanyl online. However, the process comes with significant risk.
Legal Considerations
It can also be found in pills from nonmedical sources, pressed into counterfeit pills to look like prescription painkillers or benzodiazepines, such as Xanax® Klonopin®, and Valium®. The drug fueling America’s unprecedented overdose crisis is available to mail-order directly from China by logging online. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that’s 50 times more powerful than heroin, can be found using a simple internet search. Using payment and shipment information that the sellers themselves provided, the Senate investigators identified 500 transactions in 43 states adding up to $766 million worth of fentanyl, going by its street value, just from these six sellers. They found people who were purchasing for personal use — including seven who overdosed and died — as well as the people buying to set up their own distribution network in America.
Before considering where to buy fentanyl online, it’s crucial to understand the legal implications:
- In many countries, including the United States, fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance.
- Buying fentanyl without a prescription can result in legal consequences.
- Online purchases of controlled substances can expose buyers to counterfeit drugs, which may not contain fentanyl or may have harmful additives.
Fentanyl and fentanyl analogues (some stronger than fentanyl, some weaker) are not “naloxone resistant.” They are opioids and will respond to naloxone if someone is overdosing. Fentanyl is a strong synthetic opioid that has been used in clinical settings since 1968. Fentanyl test strips are an important tool for identifying fentanyl in a pill or powder, which can help prevent an opioid-involved overdose. Counterfeit pharmaceutical tablets containing fentanyl kill thousands of people every year, and they can look exactly like the real ones. There is no way to know whether illicitly-purchased pharmaceuticals contain fentanyl without testing them first. Before using fentanyl test strips, it is critical to read and follow our instructions.
Look for information on your state or local health department’s website or ask your healthcare provider for treatment and referral services available in your area. The Works Program is a free, legal and anonymous harm reduction program that provides free supplies, disposal programs and referrals. Their goal is to reduce the rsiks of disease and overdose deaths across Boulder County communities.
Risks Associated with Online Purchases
While searching for where to buy fentanyl online, one should consider the following risks:
- Health Risks: Unregulated products may lead to overdose or adverse reactions.
- Legal Risks: Purchasing controlled substances without a prescription is illegal.
- Fraud: Many online sellers may not be legitimate, leading to financial loss.
Fentanyl can kill you within a matter of 2 minutes, usually due to respiratory failure (breathing that has stopped). The AMA promotes the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health. Learn more about physicians’ actions toward ending the nation’s drug-related overdose and death epidemic—and what still needs to be done. Satisfy the new eight-hour MATE Act training requirement on treating patients with opioid or other substance use disorders with CME from AMA Ed Hub™. The nation’s drug-related overdose and death epidemic demands immediate and collective action, with physicians taking the lead. SUPHR staff recommend that folks take some test strips and share them with loved ones who might need them.
Safe Alternatives for Obtaining Fentanyl
Fentanyl may not be the only potentially risky substance present in your drugs. Your seller may not always know what other things could be mixed in your supply. Other drug checking tools like reagent kits can be used, but they can be expensive and legality varies by state (updated as of 2019). In some states like Missouri, they are still considered paraphernalia. A new study co-led by a Rhode Island epidemiologist found that a simple drug testing strip — similar to a home pregnancy test — accurately detected the potentially deadly opioid fentanyl in street drug samples.
If you believe you need fentanyl, consider the following safer alternatives:
- And at the state Capitol and with policy-makers, we’re advocating for balanced policy on fentanyl, especially increasing access to treatment across the state.
- Opioid naïve individuals are at high risk of accidental overdose because they do not have a tolerance for opioids, may not have access to naloxone, and may not know how to decrease overdose risk.
- Those who analysed the website were able to find sellers willing to ship fentanyl and other substances.
- Though algorithms were born out of platforms attempting to produce a list of recommended items to help users make decisions on content, it has arguably become much more complicated than just a short, tailored menu.
- Be aware that it may take more than one dose of naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose.
However, once interviews revealed that New Hampshire’s heroin was supplied from Massachusetts, a decision was made to focus the remaining recruitment solely on the Massachusetts sites. GAO analyzed documents, data, and statements from federal agencies, such as the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), Justice (DOJ), and State; ONDCP; and Federal Public and Community Defenders. GAO also interviewed representatives of research, professional, state and local law enforcement, civil rights and criminal justice, industry, and international organizations.
- Consult a licensed medical professional who can evaluate your health needs.
- Ask about legal prescriptions or potential alternative medications.
- Utilize pharmacy services that ensure safe practices and proper dosage management.
FAQs on Fentanyl
Q: What is fentanyl used for?
A: Fentanyl is primarily used for managing severe pain, often in cancer patients or those recovering from major surgery.
Q: Are there legal online pharmacies?
A: Yes, there are legal online pharmacies, but they require a valid prescription from a healthcare provider.
Q: What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
A: Signs include slow or shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Seek immediate medical help if these symptoms occur.
In conclusion, while the question of where to buy fentanyl online may arise, it is vital to prioritize safety and legality. Consulting with healthcare providers and utilizing legitimate pharmacies is the safest way to manage pain and avoid the risks associated with illicit purchases.
