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Understanding Fentanyl
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Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically for pain management. It is significantly stronger than morphine and is often prescribed for severe pain, such as that experienced after surgery or for advanced cancer. However, the potency of fentanyl also makes it a substance of abuse, leading to a growing black market.
Fold the patch onto itself so it sticks, place it in a plastic bag and dispose of it away from kids and pets. Clandestine labs across the globe manufacture fentanyl into a synthetic powder. When Sim started selling it he had just graduated high school where he had top grades, good parents and before he turned 20, a major drug operation going between a house and apartment he rented. Prescription fentanyl has been around for years, intended for chronic severe pain, trauma and cancer patients. Brand names include Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze where the drug is administered through a patch, injection or lollipop. The Food and Drug Administration the week of Oct. 23 cleared for marketing the first over-the-counter test to detect fentanyl in urine.
Despite this high degree of willingness, only two pharmacies were currently providing FTS. Five people died on the University of Washington campus in Seattle during the past academic year after drug overdoses. While none of these individuals were formally affiliated with the UW, they were all part of our larger community, had potential, had loved ones and were cared about.
Legitimate Sources for Purchasing Fentanyl
- Anyone can buy a press to make pills that look just like prescription drugs these days.
- Offers support for people seeking recovery or support from alcoholism.
- Health departments and community-based organizations across the country have been stepping up to respond to the opioid crisis.
- While regular opioid users are at highest risk for overdose, consuming any form of fentanyl poses a significant risk for overdose.
- Learn how to use a fentanyl test strip with these shareable infographics, developed by PONI, available for download in English and in Español.
- Pharmacists are already engaged in harm reduction behaviors at their pharmacies.
The bill, known as Senate Bill 164, was part of a group of 8 other bills sent to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. Sponsored by Sen. Tina Polsky-D, Boca Raton, the bill passed unanimously in both chambers after years of similar bills being shot down during the last weeks of the session. There are many different fentanyl-like drugs and it’s hard to tell the difference between them all by just taste, smell, color, or feel.
If a pharmacy does not have it in stock, request that it be ordered or ask if another location has it in stock. Report any issues with getting naloxone at your pharmacy here. Research is beginning to show that cheap strips can accurately detect deadly fentanyl, and encourages people to get high more cautiously.
Illicitly manufactured powdered fentanyl looks just like many other drugs. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, or made into pills that resemble other prescription opioids. In its liquid form, illicitly manufactured fentanyl can be found in nasal sprays and eye drops, and it can be dropped onto paper or small candies. Illegally manufactured fentanyl is fueling the increase in drug overdoses in the U.S. It is often contained in illicit drugs without the user’s knowledge. It may be laced into other illegal street drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, fake opioid pills, or methamphetamine (“meth”).
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for pain-management treatment of cancer patients. Illicitly manufactured, fentanyl is added to heroin, which is then disguised as highly potent heroin. Many users don’t realize that the heroin they are purchasing may contain fentanyl — which often results in overdose deaths. Overdose deaths involving fentanyl have quadrupled in recent years.
Discuss these options with your health care professional to determine if they will work for you. Opioid use disorder is a medical condition that can affect anyone who uses opioids. Wherever you or someone you care about may be in a struggle with opioids, there are people ready to help. In Wisconsin, no one is alone in their journey to overcome opioid use disorder. Fentanyl test strips can reduce the risk of a fentanyl overdose. A convenience sample was recruited from the 4644 currently practicing community pharmacists who had a valid email address on file with the NCBOP.
Pharmacists were less willing to advertise FTS for sale (62.9%). Only two pharmacies currently distributed FTS instructions and counseled on how to use FTS. Community partners later informed surveyors that the two pharmacies that engaged in FTS behaviors have ongoing partnerships with a local syringe service program, to offer these services. Pharmacists were overwhelmingly willing to refer patients to harm reduction organizations for FTS (86.2%), with four pharmacists (0.7%) noting they already referred patients to harm reduction organizations. No pharmacists noted that they advertised FTS for sale at their pharmacy. FTS are commonly distributed by harm reduction organizations, with research indicating over 77% of syringe services programs offering them in 2019 [11].
If you are seeking where to buy fentanyl legally, it is crucial to understand the legitimate avenues available:
- Licensed Pharmacies: Many pharmacies stock fentanyl patches or lozenges for patients with a prescription.
- Hospital Pharmacies: These pharmacies supply fentanyl for inpatients who require careful monitoring.
- Online Pharmacies: Make sure they are accredited and require a prescription. Verify their credentials through state regulatory boards.
Illicit Sources of Fentanyl
There has been a significant increase in the illegal sale of fentanyl through various means. Common sources include:
- Street Dealers: Illegally distributed fentanyl can often be found on the streets, posing serious legal and health risks.
- Online Dark Web: Some individuals resort to the dark web to buy illicit fentanyl, although this is highly dangerous and illegal.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl
Purchasing fentanyl from non-legitimate sources can lead to severe consequences:
- Legal Risks: Engaging in the purchase of illegal drugs can lead to severe legal penalties.
- Health Risks: Illegitimate products may be adulterated with other harmful substances, increasing the risk of overdose.
- Financial Risks: Investing money in illegal drugs can lead to financial loss without any guarantee of product quality.
Monitoring and Safety
If you or someone you know is using fentanyl for medical purposes, it is vital to follow these safety tips:
- Follow Medical Guidance: Use fentanyl strictly under a healthcare provider’s supervision.
- Safeguard Medication: Store fentanyl in a secure location to prevent misuse.
- Be Educated about Dosage: Understanding proper dosage can minimize the risk of overdose.
FAQ About Fentanyl
Q: What are the uses of fentanyl?
A: Fentanyl is primarily used to treat severe pain, especially in patients undergoing surgery or those with chronic pain conditions.
Q: How can I legally obtain fentanyl?
A: You can obtain it through a licensed healthcare provider who can issue a prescription, which can be filled at a pharmacy.
Q: What are the dangers of purchasing fentanyl illegally?
A: Purchasing from illegal sources can lead to legal trouble, health risks from unregulated products, and potential overdose.
Q: Is fentanyl safe to use in pain management?
A: When prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional, fentanyl can be safe and effective for pain management.
Conclusion
Understanding where to buy fentanyl properly is crucial to ensuring safety and legality. Always seek professional medical advice and refrain from purchasing fentanyl from illicit sources. Awareness of the dangers and responsible usage can lead to safer outcomes for those in need of pain relief.
