San Francisco’s Newest Tool To Prevent Opioid Overdoses Tests Drugs, Starts Conversations
If you see fentanyl powder on your clothes, use a non-alcoholic wet wipe to remove it or wet the area of the garment before removing it and laundering. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. 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. As Sim explained, a single gram could kill thousands of people. Having been a good student with a strong talent in science, Sim was able to measure and mix just the right amount of fentanyl to give his customers a high they had never experienced.
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Purchase
Since xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone and other opioid antagonists do not reverse xylazine’s effect on breathing in the event of an overdose. Xylazine mixed with fentanyl or other opioids can increase the chances for fatal overdose because both drugs slow and stop breathing. 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. You can’t see, smell or taste fentanyl when it’s mixed with other drugs.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, primarily used for pain management. Considering its potency, many people may find themselves asking, can I buy fentanyl? However, it’s crucial to understand the legal and health implications involved.
What is Fentanyl?
The tests are highly sensitive, so a minimal amount is needed to detect the presence of fentanyl. Add water to the container and mix it with your drugs, using the same drug-to-water ratio and following the same steps mentioned previously. While regular opioid users are at highest risk for overdose, consuming any form of fentanyl poses a significant risk for overdose.
Fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. It is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, making it an effective pain relief option for patients, especially those dealing with severe pain from conditions such as:
- Refer to the Save Lives Oregon “Reverse Opioid Overdose with Naloxone Nasal Spray” guide (pdf) for the six steps to reverse an opioid overdose.
- It can be used to save the life of someone experiencing a fentanyl-related overdose.
- Also, schools can update their memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with local first responders to ensure a plan is in place to immediately respond to an overdose.
- The strips developed by the biotechnology company BTNX based in Toronto, Canada, are only sold to governments and harm reduction programs.
Well, because we have this unregulated supply, the end user is basically powerless over the drug supply. They are at the mercy of what’s happening in the supply chain and supply-side pressures on the market, and there’s been this shift from lower-potency heroin to essentially all illicitly manufactured fentanyl. If you’re using opioids in Massachusetts, you’re almost certainly using fentanyl.
Children are also more sensitive to adverse effects from exposure to fentanyl pills, powder, or liquid left on surfaces. The risk of overdose is extremely unlikely from exposure to the smoke from someone who is smoking fentanyl. Recent research shows that fentanyl use in public places such as buses and trains does not produce enough contamination in the air to cause an overdose in passengers.
- Cancer
- Major surgeries
- Chronic pain disorders
SOR supplements current state and territory opioid-related activities and supports a comprehensive response to the opioid epidemic. Some saw test strips as a logical extension of other harm reduction practices and thought most people who use drugs would want them. Others noted bluntly that most people were not purposively using substances to die and would want to take steps to protect themselves. Scott (Black, man, 27, methamphetamine) had used heroin for years and had transitioned completely away from opioids to methamphetamine use. He wanted to use fentanyl test strips to ensure he was not exposed to an opioid and the attending risks of return to use of that class of drugs. The powerful opioid fentanyl has been found in everything from methamphetamine and cocaine to marijuana and fake Adderall pills.
The Legal Aspects of Purchasing Fentanyl
The legality of purchasing fentanyl varies based on your location. Here are the key points to consider:
They can be used to test injectable drugs, powders, and pills. People using xylazine can develop a dependence and may be at risk of withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, irritability, restlessness, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure. Xylazine withdrawal can become a critical medical event requiring hospitalization. Clinicians should be prepared to manage both xylazine and opioid withdrawal symptoms for individuals admitted for care. Xylazine use can lead to unresponsiveness, forgetfulness or memory loss, dangerously low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and reduced breathing.
- Prescription Requirement: In most countries, fentanyl can only be obtained legally with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Illegal Purchases: Buying fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and can lead to severe legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
- Online Sales: Beware of online platforms claiming to sell fentanyl without a prescription. These substances may be counterfeit or dangerous.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl
Purchasing fentanyl without proper guidance poses significant risks:
- Health Risks: Misuse can lead to overdose, which is often fatal.
- Quality Concerns: Illegally purchased fentanyl may be mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of adverse reactions.
- Dependency: Prolonged use can lead to addiction and substance abuse disorders.
Who Should Consider Fentanyl?
Only individuals suffering from severe pain conditions should consider using fentanyl, and always under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Appropriate candidates include:
- Patients with a history of opioid use.
- Individuals who have not responded to other pain management options.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I buy fentanyl without a prescription?
- No, purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and poses serious health risks.
- Is it possible to get fentanyl online?
- While some websites may claim to sell fentanyl, these are typically illegal and potentially harmful.
- What should I do if I am in severe pain?
- Consult with a healthcare professional to discuss appropriate treatment options.
- What are the signs of a fentanyl overdose?
- Signs include slowed breathing, extreme drowsiness, or difficulty waking up. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.
In conclusion, while the question can I buy fentanyl may arise for those in pain, it’s essential to navigate this issue with caution and awareness of the risks and legalities involved. Always prioritize safety and consult healthcare providers for appropriate pain management solutions.
