Emergency Preparedness Office
Fentanyl Test Strip Cards This document is formatted to print 3 cards per page front and back that explain how to use fentanyl test strips and provide essential treatment and recovery resources. If you find someone who has overdosed on fentanyl or another opioid, you should call 911 immediately. If you have naloxone (commonly referred to by the brand name Narcan) you should administer it to them intra-nasally through the nose or through an injection. They found people who were purchasing for personal use — including seven who overdosed and died — as well as the people buying to set up their own distribution network in America. They have been working on this investigation since last year, and their full findings will be reviewed at a Senate hearing on Thursday.
Understanding Fentanyl and Prescription Requirements
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is a synthetic opioid that can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. The potency and contents of illicit drugs, including IMF, is always changing. This makes it impossible for someone to know the strength or the mixture of substances in their drug product.
They would also have small pupils and would be minimally breathing or not breathing at all. In this Q&A, Daniel Colby, assistant professor and co-medical director for the Department of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Health, addresses some common myths and concerns about fentanyl. These include the symptoms of a fentanyl overdose and whether it is safe to help someone who is overdosing. That being said, those fighting substance use disorders who are willing to take the potentially fatal risks that come with consuming illicit pills can reduce their chances of overdosing by using FTS. Start with a very small dose every time you use something that could be contaminated with fentanyl.
To prevent someone from accidentally taking this medication, it should be disposed of when no longer needed through a medicine take-back program or by dropping them off at a DEA-authorized collector. For locations near you, check Ask your pharmacist or care team for assistance in the disposal of unused medications. If you cannot use these options, you can flush these medicines down the sink or toilet as soon as they are no longer needed. For example, in the state of Colorado, the illegal use of a controlled substance like fentanyl is considered a level 2 misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty of 12 months in prison and a $750 fine. People charged at the state level for fentanyl offenses can face misdemeanor penalties for small quantities or felony charges for large quantities, trafficking, and prescription fraud. These penalties are primarily dictated by the quantity of the substance in a person’s possession, the way the substance came into the person’s possession and the intent of possession.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often used to treat patients experiencing severe pain, such as those recovering from surgery or suffering from chronic conditions. However, this drug has garnered significant attention due to its potential for abuse and the associated risks. A common question that arises is “can I buy fentanyl without a prescription?”
Opioids include any drug that acts on opioid receptors in the brain, and any natural or synthetic drugs that are derived from or related to the opium poppy. Different pain relief medicines are used in different circumstances. If you have been prescribed fentanyl and are still in pain, speak with your doctor about other ways you can manage your pain. Never take an opioid medicine that was prescribed for someone else, or give another person an opioid that was prescribed for you. Your doctor is the best person to guide you on whether fentanyl is the right medicine for you, how much you need and how long to take it for. Below is a lethal dose of heroin compared with lethal doses of carfentanil and fentanyl.
They mix in fentanyl in unsanitary conditions without precisely measure the dose. Typically produced overseas and smuggled into the U.S., drug dealers will add fentanyl to heroin, cocaine and other substances to make a less-expensive drug that still produces a powerful high. Since there is no quality control or regulation with these illegal drugs, people may or may not be aware that fentanyl is being laced, or mixed, with other substances.
The Legal Framework Surrounding Fentanyl
In most countries, including the United States, fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. This classification indicates that while the drug has accepted medical uses, it also has a high potential for abuse, which can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
Due to the risks associated with fentanyl, it is illegal to purchase it without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Below are some key points regarding the legal framework:
- Fentanyl can only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.
- Buying fentanyl from street dealers or unregulated sources poses significant health risks, including overdose and death.
- Pharmacies require a valid prescription to dispense fentanyl to patients.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl Without a Prescription
Attempting to obtain fentanyl without a prescription can lead to dangerous consequences:
- Legal Issues: Purchasing fentanyl illegally can result in criminal charges, including felony drug possession.
- Health Risks: Fentanyl is extremely potent, and an incorrect dosage can lead to respiratory failure and death.
- Unregulated Sources: Fentanyl obtained from unauthorized sources may be contaminated or counterfeit, further increasing the risk of overdose.
Consulting a Healthcare Provider
- The estimated street value for a fentanyl patch is between $75-$100.
- To reduce this risk, people who inject drugs should always use safe injection practices, including never sharing needles and always sterilizing injection sites.
- Children can overdose on new and used fentanyl patches by putting them in their mouth or sticking the patches on their skin.
- If used correctly, fentanyl test strips can detect the presence of the most common types of fentanyl in street drugs and pills.
- Now, Anand said, he’s seeing a lot more people in Ohio seeking out illicit fentanyl as their drug of choice.
If you believe you need fentanyl for pain management, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider. They can evaluate your condition and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Some alternatives to fentanyl may include:
- Other opioids with a lower risk profile.
- Non-opioid pain relievers.
- Physical therapy or alternative pain management techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I ever obtain fentanyl without a prescription?
No, it is illegal to obtain fentanyl without a prescription. Any sources offering fentanyl outside legal channels are not legitimate and pose serious risks.
What should I do if I am struggling with pain management?
Consult a healthcare professional for an assessment and explore all available treatment options.
What are the symptoms of a fentanyl overdose?
Symptoms include difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, unresponsiveness, and blue lips or fingertips. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Conclusion
In summary, attempting to buy fentanyl without a prescription is both illegal and dangerous. It is essential to prioritize safety and seek guidance from healthcare professionals for legitimate pain management solutions. The risks associated with unregulated substances far outweigh any short-term benefits.
