Director / State Public Health Officer
Fentanyl test strips used at the Women’s Health Center of West Virginia in Charleston. Learn how to respond in the event of an overdose and support a loved one in crisis. Only share sensitive information on official, secure websites. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. When a person survives an overdose, it’s because someone was present, recognized that the person was overdosing, and responded to help them.
Help And Resources
Understanding Fentanyl
Other Resources
In addition, we can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities. Many times, O’Neal said, cocaine and other drug users do not know to expect fentanyl. That’s because the deadly opioid is increasingly found in illegal drugs like pain pills, cocaine and even marijuana. Testing drugs for fentanyl can save lives, Joshua O’Neal with the Fulton County Board of Health said. So many people died over the last two years from drug overdoses and COVID-19 that life expectancy continues to drop, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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 A synthetic opioid, fentanyl is often carefully prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain in people living with cancer, recovering from surgery or who are terminally ill.
“When you’re relying on somebody who has no medical background, no regulation at all, then you’re just playing with your life.” He did it through what’s called the “Dark Web” and it took him all of ten minutes to show how to send pure fentanyl and just about any other drug to our front door. At a routine traffic stop, BCSO patrol discovered 118 grams of pure fentanyl. New Hanover County’s drug unit is also seeing more of the drug mixed into dope bags. Mixing fentanyl into heroin magnified the potency and also, the risk. You cannot smell or taste fentanyl, so consider carrying Fentanyl Test Strips to prevent ingestion.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. It is primarily used in medical settings to treat severe pain, especially after surgery or for patients with chronic pain conditions. However, its potency has led to significant misuse and tragic overdose deaths.
But related overdose deaths increased in Washington in the past two years. Trained information specialists answer calls, transfer callers to state services or other appropriate intake centers in their states, and connect them with local assistance and support. The Fulton County Board of Health is making sure people who use drugs can do so as safely as possible by getting test kits for fentanyl. A person prepares heroin, placing a fentanyl test strip into the mixing container to check for contamination, Wednesday Aug. 22, 2018, in New York.
Inconsistent purity and potent cuts ranging from vet medicine (e.g. xylazine) to strong fentanyl analogues (e.g. carfentanil) are just some of the many results of the criminalization of people who use drugs. Fentanyl is a fast acting synthetic opioid that is being used in conjunction with heroin to intensify the high. Fentanyl has become more available than other opioids for illicit use and is 100 times more potent than morphine with increasingly higher deaths than for all other opioids. According to a March 2017 report published by the Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring Network, more than 60% of heroin is now being cut using fentanyl. Studies show the use of this drug is in higher demand with usage not slowing.
Legitimate Uses of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is prescribed in various forms to manage pain. These forms include:
Counterfeiters go out of their way to make their fake pills look real. So, to help curb the dramatic increase in drug overdose deaths driven by synthetic opioids like fentanyl, federal funding is being used to purchase, and make available, rapid fentanyl test strips. These strips can be used to reveal whether drugs have been mixed or cut with fentanyl. The goal is to help people who use drugs reduce their risk of an overdose. DAODAS partners with many community distributors of naloxone in South Carolina to enhance their overdose prevention programs by providing fentanyl test strips at no cost and so they can be used by the public. To locate a Community Distributor of naloxone that also provides fentanyl test strips, click here.
- Patches – Transdermal patches that release fentanyl slowly over time.
- Lollipops – Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate tablets for quick pain relief.
- Injectables – Used in hospitals during and after surgical procedures.
Where Can I Buy Fentanyl?
- Experts say that could keep them alive until the time in which they are ready to start moving off drugs.
- According to the report, most of this fentanyl originates in China.
- FOX26 News confirmed with Fresno Unified School District beginning this year all middle and high schools will carry Narcan.
- The Massachusetts state Senate voted unanimously to legalize fentanyl test strips across the commonwealth earlier this month.
It is crucial to understand that buying fentanyl should only be done through legal and legitimate channels. Below are the recommended sources:
1. Licensed Pharmacies
The safest way to obtain fentanyl is through licensed pharmacies. Here are some steps to follow:
- Consult with a healthcare provider who can assess your condition.
- If prescribed, visit a licensed pharmacy to purchase the medication.
- Provide your prescription to the pharmacist for processing.
2. Hospitals and Clinics
In hospital settings, fentanyl can be administered by healthcare professionals. If you are in need of pain management:
- Seek treatment at a hospital or a pain management clinic.
- Discuss options with your doctor to determine if fentanyl is appropriate.
3. Online Pharmacies
If considering online pharmacies, ensure they are properly licensed and verified. Here’s what to look for:
- Check for pharmacy verification badges from recognized authorities.
- Confirm that they require a valid prescription.
- Avoid sites that offer fentanyl without a prescription, as these are often illegal.
Risks of Purchasing Fentanyl Illegally
Purchasing fentanyl from unverified or illegal sources can pose significant risks, including:
- Overdose Risk – Illegally obtained fentanyl may contain impurities or be mixed with other substances.
- Legal Consequences – Buying fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and can lead to criminal charges.
- Health Risks – Without medical supervision, dosing can be incorrect, leading to severe health issues.
FAQs
What should I do if I suspect someone is overdosing on fentanyl?
If someone is showing signs of an overdose, such as difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness, call emergency services immediately.
Can fentanyl be used for chronic pain management?
Yes, fentanyl can be used for chronic pain; however, it should only be prescribed and managed by a qualified healthcare provider.
Is it safe to buy fentanyl online?
Buying fentanyl online can be risky; only purchase from reputable pharmacies that require a prescription.
Conclusion
Understanding where to buy fentanyl legally is essential for ensuring safety and efficacy. Always consult with a healthcare professional for guidance and adhere to legal guidelines to avoid the dangers associated with illegal purchases.
