Why You Should Carry Naloxone (Narcan) To Combat Opioid Overdoses
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Availability
Pregnancy And Reproductive Health
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the content found on the Erie County Department of Health website or this correspondence. No drug is completely safe and there is always a risk of overdose. Learn the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose and how to take action on the Naloxone Instructions webpage. “Two years ago, I would have thought this was crazy,” said Dr. Akhil Anand, a psychiatrist at the Cleveland Clinic who specializes in addiction. Now, Anand said, he’s seeing a lot more people in Ohio seeking out illicit fentanyl as their drug of choice.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is primarily used in medical settings for pain management. Its strength makes it effective for treating severe pain, particularly in patients with cancer or those recovering from surgery. However, the misuse and illegal distribution of fentanyl have led to a significant public health crisis.
Other types of organizations are expected to be eligible to participate in the program in future phases. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid related to the phenylpiperidines that is commonly used for moderate to severe pain relief. In New York, fentanyl test strips are becoming more common as a way to fight an overdose crisis, and more states are pushing to legalize them. He decided to seek out something that would be both safer and cheaper. For the past three years, he’s been buying fentanyl and its analogues, like carfentanil, online. When he receives it, he measures it out in water, which he says makes for greater accuracy.
Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include Micromedex (updated 4 Feb 2024), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Feb 2024), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2024) and others. This is not all the information you need to know about fentanyl test strips for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your healthcare provider’s advice.
Can You Buy Fentanyl Over the Counter?
The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Florida ranks second in the nation behind California for drug overdose deaths. Always store medications in a locked medicine cabinet or box that is out of reach. Dispose of unused prescription medications and keep illicit drugs out of your home. Naloxone can be purchased without a prescription at retail pharmacies in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. An overdose crisis is affecting children, adolescents and adults across the United States. One worker who did respond said he knew the Cabo pharmacy where he worked did not sell opioid painkillers because he was one of only two people who worked there.
In addition to distributing these supplies at pop-ups and community events listed on our events page, there are a few ways you can get naloxone and test strips to prevent a fatal overdose in your community. In case of overdose, remove the fentanyl from the victim’s mouth and call local emergency services at 911. Call your doctor if you experience more than four episodes of breakthrough pain per day. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of your other pain medication(s) to better control your pain. Fentanyl comes as a lozenge on a handle (Actiq), a sublingual (underneath the tongue) tablet (Abstral), a film (Onsolis), and a buccal (between the gum and cheek) tablet (Fentora) to dissolve in the mouth.
Many people wonder, can you buy fentanyl over the counter? The answer is no. Fentanyl is a controlled substance due to its high potential for addiction and abuse. In most countries, including the United States, fentanyl is only available through a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Fake pills are widely available for purchase in the illicit drug market and through social media platforms that teens commonly use, such as TikTok and Snapchat. These pills are made to look like real prescription pills like oxycodone or Xanax. Instead, the fake pills commonly include a deadly amount of illicit fentanyl, and is sometimes also combined with other drugs like xylazine. These substances were selected based on advice from harm reduction groups. Further, we were able to determine a suggested sample dilution and time for reading and interpretation of the results that will detect dangerous levels of fentanyl with less risk of false positives.
- In 2018, 744 people from Washington died from an opioid related overdose and 198 of these deaths included fentanyl.
- By detecting whether other drugs are laced with fentanyl, fentanyl test strips can help prevent an opioid overdose.
- If you use heroin, cocaine or crack—even rarely—you’re at risk of a fentanyl-involved overdose.
- While they offer significant therapeutic benefits, they also pose a high risk of misuse, abuse and dependence.
Why Is Fentanyl Controlled?
Your doctor will need to enroll in the program in order to prescribe fentanyl and you will need to have your prescription filled at a pharmacy that is enrolled in the program. As part of the program, your doctor will talk with you about the risks and benefits of using fentanyl and about how to safely use, store, and dispose of the medication. After you talk with your doctor, you will sign a form acknowledging that you understand the risks of using fentanyl and that you will follow your doctor’s instructions to use the medication safely.
Several factors contribute to the strict regulations surrounding fentanyl:
- Potency: Fentanyl is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. This extreme strength means that even a small dose can lead to serious side effects.
- Risk of Overdose: The margin between an effective dose and a lethal dose is very small, making fentanyl particularly dangerous. Overdose can occur quickly, causing respiratory distress and death.
- Addiction Potential: Like other opioids, fentanyl has a high potential for misuse and addiction, leading to significant public health challenges.
Where is Fentanyl Prescribed?
Fentanyl is typically prescribed in the following situations:
- Chronic Pain Management: For patients who suffer from long-term, severe pain that does not respond to other treatments.
- Surgery Recovery: To manage pain after surgical procedures, especially major surgeries.
- Cancer Pain: For patients undergoing treatment for cancer, fentanyl can provide effective pain relief.
Legal Access and Risks
Obtaining fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and poses significant risks:
- Legal Consequences: Buying or selling fentanyl without a prescription can result in severe legal penalties.
- Health Risks: Unregulated substances may be adulterated with other harmful drugs, increasing the risk of overdose and other health issues.
FAQs About Fentanyl
1. Can you buy fentanyl patches over the counter?
No, fentanyl patches are prescription-only due to their potential for abuse and dangerous side effects.
2. What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
Common signs include:
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Unresponsiveness
- Blue or grayish skin
3. What should I do if I suspect someone has overdosed on fentanyl?
Call emergency services immediately and, if available, administer naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug.
4. Is fentanyl treatment available?
Yes, treatment options exist for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder, including fentanyl. These may involve medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and support groups.
Conclusion
In summary, can you buy fentanyl over the counter? The answer is no; it is a dangerous and controlled substance intended for specific medical uses only. Understanding the risks and regulations around fentanyl is crucial for both safe medical use and public health.
