Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing
Understanding Fentanyl: A Guide
Fentanyl is a powerful, fast-acting opioid that increases the risk of overdose. Very often, it is mixed in with other drugs, such as heroin, coke, crack, and pressed pills, and is very difficult to detect. As a result, fentanyl in illicit drugs changes the landscape of opioid overdose dramatically. Testing drugs for the presence of fentanyl using fentanyl test strips can lower overdose risk. Learn more about fentanyl, how dangerous it is, how to use fentanyl test strips, and their limitations. Pharmacists are already engaged in harm reduction behaviors at their pharmacies.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically for pain management, particularly in patients undergoing surgery or those suffering from chronic pain conditions. However, due to its potency, it is also associated with a significant risk of addiction and overdose.
You can’t smell or taste fentanyl and fake pills made from fentanyl can look like real pills from a pharmacy. There’s no way to know if -or how much- fentanyl may be in them. Many of the opioid pills and powders sold on the street are fake. They often contain fentanyl in potentially deadly amounts but are mislabeled as other opioids. The DEA sampled tablets seized nationwide between January and March 2019. It found 27 percent contained potentially lethal doses of fentanyl.
Similar to heroin, morphine, and other opioid drugs, fentanyl binds to opioid receptors inside the body which control pain and emotions. The subsequent surge of euphoria and relaxation fuels the need for more and more. PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Jim Kenney today signed Executive Order 4-21 making it the City’s policy not to arrest individuals for possessing or distributing fentanyl test trips.
Naloxone should still be given because xylazine is often used with fentanyl. Naloxone will not cause harm if opioids are not involved in an overdose. It is important to call 911 for additional medical treatment, especially since the effects of xylazine may continue after naloxone is given.
Most fentanyl test strips are between 96% to nearly 100% accurate in detecting the presence of even small amounts of fentanyl. Offers needs-based mobile syringe exchange, fentanyl test strips, Naloxone (Narcan) and safer sex kits. Offers support for people seeking recovery from drugs including opioids.
Fentanyl the prescription drug and fentanyl inside a heroin bag come from very different sources, although both can be abused. Consider carrying Naloxone, a medicine that rapidly reverses fentanyl overdoses. Remember Missouri’s Good Samaritan Law protects you and the person overdosing from arrest for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Medical Use of Fentanyl
Death from an opioid overdose happens when too much of the drug overwhelms the brain and interrupts the body’s natural drive to breathe. Monitor your use and know the signs of potential misuse/ overuse. If you suspect you or someone you love is misusing or overusing a prescription opioid medication, talk to the person’s doctor right away. Raudales-Escalante has been arrested a half-dozen times in Multnomah County just in the last year, mainly for selling fentanyl, and parts of his life story can be pieced together through court interviews. His primary language is Spanish, and he spoke to authorities through an interpreter.
In recent years popular recreational drugs like cocaine, Xanax and Adderall have become risks for opioid overdose, as lethal traces of the synthetic opioid fentanyl have been found in the US drug supply. Our Harm Reduction strategies are intended to address the risks of potential fentanyl contamination. Along with implementing this new policy, the City is launching a public outreach campaign with information about how and why to test drugs for fentanyl. Additional drug-specific educational cards that advise testing drugs for fentanyl and carrying naloxone can be found here. Ongoing virtual trainings on overdose prevention and the use of fentanyl test strips can be found at
In medicine, fentanyl is available in various forms, including:
- Transdermal patches
- Injectable solutions
- Lollipops or lozenges
- Nasal sprays
These formulations are typically prescribed by healthcare providers and are monitored closely due to their potential for misuse.
Where Can I Buy Fentanyl?
For legal and safe procurement of fentanyl, consider the following sources:
- Pharmacies: Only licensed pharmacies can sell fentanyl. You will need a valid prescription from a certified healthcare provider.
- Hospitals: Hospitals sometimes provide fentanyl directly to patients in need, especially post-surgery.
- Online Pharmacies: Ensure they are verified and operate within legal guidelines. A prescription is still needed.
Be cautious of illicit sources or street dealers, as they may sell counterfeit products that can be highly dangerous.
Risks Associated with Fentanyl
While fentanyl can be effective for pain relief, it also poses serious risks, including:
- Overdose: Even a small amount can be lethal.
- Addiction: Fentanyl has a high potential for addiction and dependency.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: If misused, stopping suddenly can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Illicit Use: Non-prescribed use significantly increases the risk of overdose.
FAQs About Fentanyl
Q1: Is it legal to buy fentanyl without a prescription?
- Addresses concerns of children of parents with substance use/abuse problems.
- Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies, like Percocet and Xanax.
- Fentanyl test strips are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in all different kinds of drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, etc.) and drug forms (pills, powder, and injectables).
- If you have questions about a fentanyl prescription that you received from a healthcare provider, talk to your pharmacist or primary care provider.
- According to the CDC 82.3% of opioid overdose deaths in 2020 involved synthetic opioids, like Fentanyl.
A1: No, purchasing fentanyl without a valid prescription is illegal and could lead to serious legal consequences.
Q2: Can I buy fentanyl online?
A2: Yes, but only from licensed online pharmacies that require a prescription. Ensure the pharmacy is legitimate to avoid counterfeit drugs.
Q3: What should I do if I suspect someone is using fentanyl illicitly?
A3: It’s imperative to report any suspicious activities to local law enforcement and guide those in need towards professional help for addiction.
Conclusion
When considering where to buy fentanyl, always prioritize safety and legality. Consult with healthcare professionals and avoid unauthorized sources to reduce the risk of addiction and overdose.
