What Should You Ask Your Health Care Professional Before Taking Opioids?
The amount of water needed depends on the specific drug being tested. They were originally designed to check urine for fentanyl, but harm reduction advocates found that the tests could work when a little bit of the product was mixed with water. Naloxone is available at pharmacies across the state at low or no cost; naloxone kits and training sessions are available upon request.
Understanding Fentanyl
Before using, wash or sanitize your hands and any surfaces used to prepare the drugs. Then, use an alcohol wipe or soapy water to clean your injection site. Overdoses from fentanyl have had a devastating impact on San Francisco, and our nightlife and entertainment community has been hit particularly hard.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used primarily for pain management. It is significantly more potent than morphine and is often prescribed for severe pain, particularly in cancer patients or those recovering from major surgeries.
The low-cost testing strips — similar to a home pregnancy test — detected the smallest amounts of fentanyl (0.125 micrograms/ml) and were the most accurate at detecting the presence or absence of fentanyl. We studied three portable technologies to see how well they detected fentanyl in street drugs. We also investigated whether people who use drugs would be interested in testing for fentanyl in order to protect themselves. Please note that if you do not use drugs frequently or daily, it is not necessary to request more than a couple test strips from free harm reduction programs.
Please note the Health Department does not supply fentanyl test strips to training attendees. Fentanyl has been found in many different drugs, including heroin, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine and ketamine. It can also be found in pills from nonmedical sources, pressed into counterfeit pills to look like prescription painkillers or benzodiazepines, such as Xanax® Klonopin®, and Valium®.
There are no negative side effects of using Naloxone and no potential for misuse or dependence. However, naloxone may put a person dependent on opioids into withdrawal, which can be a very painful and uncomfortable experience. This process is rarely instantaneous; respiratory depression can last over the course of minutes to several hours after the drug was used until a person stops breathing completely.
Because fentanyl in the drug supply is undetectable through sight or smell, fentanyl test strips are an important harm reduction tool that can allow drug users to test for the presences of fentanly in other drugs. 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. In Philadelphia, fentanyl is often found in heroin and pressed pills (Xanax, oxys, percs) and could contaminate other drugs like cocaine, crack, and other stimulants.
Addresses concerns of children of parents with substance use/abuse problems. 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. Watch a video on How to use fentanyl test strips from Prevent Overdose-Rhode Island.
Why is Fentanyl Prescribed?
Healthcare providers may prescribe fentanyl for several reasons:
- Management of **acute** and **chronic pain**.
- Control of pain after surgical procedures.
- As part of an **anesthesia** regimen.
Can You Buy Fentanyl?
The question “Can you buy fentanyl?” is complex and requires careful consideration of both legality and safety.
Legality of Buying Fentanyl
In most countries, fentanyl is considered a controlled substance, meaning it cannot be purchased over the counter. Instead, it is available only through a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Some key points include:
- **Purchase** through licensed pharmacies with a valid prescription.
- Buying fentanyl illegally (e.g., from street dealers or online black markets) is highly risky and illegal.
- Possessing **illicit fentanyl** can lead to severe legal repercussions.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl
- Wherever you or someone you care about may be in a struggle with opioids, there are people ready to help.
- Nearly two-thirds of people who use drugs surveyed for this project had experienced an opioid overdose at least once, and 8 in 10 attributed their last overdose to fentanyl.
- The low-cost testing strips — similar to a home pregnancy test — detected the smallest amounts of fentanyl (0.125 micrograms/ml) and were the most accurate at detecting the presence or absence of fentanyl.
- 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.
If you are considering how to acquire this substance, be aware of the following:
- **Overdose risk**: Illicitly purchased fentanyl is often mixed with other substances, increasing the chance of overdose.
- **Quality control** is non-existent for illegal products, making it unpredictable.
- Potential for **addiction** even with legitimate use when not managed by healthcare professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get fentanyl without a prescription?
No, in most jurisdictions, you cannot legally obtain fentanyl without a prescription from a qualified healthcare provider.
2. What should I do if I am prescribed fentanyl?
If prescribed, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Always discuss any concerns or side effects.
3. What are the signs of a fentanyl overdose?
Signs include:
- Severe **drowsiness** or inability to wake up.
- **Slow or shallow breathing**.
- **Pinpoint pupils**.
- **Blue or purple lips and nails**.
4. What should I do in case of an overdose?
Seek emergency assistance immediately. If available, administer Naloxone (Narcan) to reverse opioid overdose effects while waiting for help.
Conclusion
While the question “Can you buy fentanyl?” is common, the focus should be on the legal and health implications of obtaining this substance. Always prioritize safety and legal channels for managing pain, and consult with healthcare professionals for alternatives or pain management strategies.
