Even if your drugs test negative for fentanyl, use caution and follow the harm reduction steps (see below) if you are using drugs for recreational purposes. People experiencing an opioid overdose will not respond if you try to talk to them, yell, or shake them. To do this, make a fist, and press your pointed knuckles into the sternum (the flat bone in the center of the chest), moving up and down with pressure. Do not inflict pain in other ways such as hitting – a sternum rub is the most effective method and does not cause additional harm. As fentanyl seizures continue to hit historical levels, we anticipate that more lawmakers at the state and federal levels will develop legislation to combat the fentanyl problem. For example, Colorado’s new fentanyl law will allow police to charge anyone with more than a gram of fentanyl in their possession.
- Clinicians should be prepared to manage both xylazine and opioid withdrawal symptoms for individuals admitted for care.
- This is particularly dangerous as a person who uses stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine may be opioid naïve and at higher risk for overdose if they are exposed to fentanyl.
- Pharmacists play a vital role in overdose risk reduction through opioid medication counseling and the dispensing of naloxone [15].
- It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous.
- You can take it safely by following your doctor’s directions and taking the recommended dose.
- “I have never done anything illegal, and my work is all within legal bounds,” Chen said.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse and is available only through prescription.
Harm Reduction Needs You Join The Movement
Is it Legal to Buy Fentanyl Online?
No, it is not legal to buy fentanyl online. Fentanyl is a controlled substance, and it is illegal to buy or sell it without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Buying fentanyl online from an unlicensed source is illegal and can result in serious consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
Availability Of Data And Materials
Can I Buy Fentanyl Online from Legitimate Sources?
While it is possible to buy fentanyl online from licensed pharmacies with a valid prescription, it is important to exercise caution. There are many online pharmacies that operate illegally and may sell counterfeit or contaminated drugs. It is essential to ensure that the online pharmacy is licensed and reputable before making a purchase.
What are the Risks of Buying Fentanyl Online?
People who stimulants and non-opioid drugs (other than cannabis) are at significant risk of fentanyl overdose and should carry naloxone, as should people in contact with people who use drugs. Opioids are a legitimate drug for serious pain issues, such as for cancer patients and people who have undergone surgery, when prescribed by a doctor. What’s dangerous is illicit opioids – those not prescribed by a doctor but illicitly manufactured in a lab – and sold by drug dealers, often on the internet.
There are several risks associated with buying fentanyl online, including:
- Buying counterfeit or contaminated drugs
- Receiving the wrong dosage or strength of the drug
- Not receiving the drug at all
- Exposing yourself to identity theft or fraud
- Facing legal consequences for buying a controlled substance illegally
He died in early 2017 from “acute fentanyl intoxication.” He had received a package from an online seller just 30 days before his death. Recently, a group of investigators with the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations Googled “buy fentanyl online” on the open internet, then homed in on the six sites that were most responsive to their requests. An investigator on the committee, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the findings, said these represent a tiny fraction of the hundreds of fentanyl-selling sites on the web.
FAQs
A health professional can prescribe fentanyl legally for a patient with pain. However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose are linked to illegally made fentanyl, which is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. The Health Department offers virtual trainings to individuals and organizations on the use of fentanyl test strips as a harm reduction tool as well as strategies for community engagement. If you are interested in learning about fentanyl and fentanyl test strips, or your organization is distributing fentanyl test strips in the community, register for an upcoming training below. Please note the Health Department does not supply fentanyl test strips to training attendees. Xylazine may be mixed in with other illicit drugs for several reasons, including increasing drug weight or adding an effect.
Can I Buy Fentanyl Online without a Prescription?
Levels Of Care
No, it is illegal to buy fentanyl online without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Is it Safe to Buy Fentanyl Online?
No, it is not safe to buy fentanyl online from unlicensed sources. There is a high risk of receiving counterfeit or contaminated drugs, which can be dangerous or even fatal.
What Should I Do if I Accidentally Overdose on Fentanyl?
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. Legal fentanyl is a synthetic prescription opioid developed in the 1960s and is used to treat severe pain such as breakthrough cancer pain in patients who are opioid-tolerant. CSU Health Network provides resources to help students learn how to improve mental health, manage stress and minimize anxiety.
If you or someone else has accidentally overdosed on fentanyl, seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 or your local poison control center for assistance.
Can I Test Fentanyl for Purity Before Using it?
Fentanyl Tainted Pills Bought On Social Media Cause Youth Drug Deaths To Soar
No, there is no safe way to test fentanyl for purity before using it. Fentanyl is a highly potent drug, and even a small amount can be fatal. It is essential to use fentanyl only as prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider.
How Can I Dispose of Unused Fentanyl?
If you have unused fentanyl, it is essential to dispose of it properly to prevent accidental exposure or overdose. Contact your local law enforcement agency or pharmacy for information on how to safely dispose of controlled substances.
