Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid pain medication, is commonly prescribed for severe pain relief. However, with the rise of illicit drug trade, there has been an alarming increase in the availability of counterfeit fentanyl pills. This poses a serious threat to public health as these fake pills often contain lethal doses of the drug.
Why is it crucial to find safe and legitimate sources?
Obtaining fentanyl from reliable sources is essential to ensure your safety and avoid potential risks associated with counterfeit substances. The following information will guide you on how to find trustworthy sources:
1. Consult a Medical Professional:
Take action: Test for fentanyl
If you require fentanyl for medical reasons, it is imperative to consult a healthcare professional. They can prescribe the medication and advise you on legitimate pharmacies or outlets where you can purchase it.
2. Obtain a Valid Prescription:
Ensure that you have a legitimate prescription from a licensed healthcare provider before purchasing fentanyl. This ensures that you are using the medication under proper medical supervision.
3. Purchase from Licensed Pharmacies:
Syringe Service Program
Buying fentanyl pills from licensed pharmacies is crucial for your safety. Only trust reputable and verified pharmacies that follow strict regulations and quality control measures.
4. Online Pharmacies:
Online pharmacies can provide convenience, but it’s crucial to be cautious. Follow these guidelines when considering online purchases:
Community Resources for People who use Substances
In many cases, drug users and mid-level dealers have no idea where or how their drugs are manufactured or what they might be cut with. From 1999 to 2011, the death rate in the United States due to opioid analgesics nearly quadrupled, then began to skyrocket around 2013–2014. This timing coincided with the first detection of illicit pills containing fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and other novel synthetic opioids such as U-47700. Fentanyl is often mixed into counterfeit pills sold as opioids, methamphetamines, ecstasy or benzodiazepines. Often these pills don’t look any different than a pharmaceutical grade pill. But that’s not a reliable way to know if a pill is counterfeit.
- Choose Verified Websites: Look for online pharmacies that display verification symbols, such as VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites).
- Prescription Requirement: Legitimate online pharmacies will always require a valid prescription before dispensing fentanyl pills.
- Review Customer Feedback: Check for customer reviews and ratings to gain insights into the reliability and authenticity of the online pharmacy.
- Secure Payment Options: Ensure that the website offers secure payment options and protects your personal and financial information.
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. Your tolerance for opioids (like oxy or fentanyl) could lower in as little as 3 – 7 days.
In 2016, my colleagues and I found that patients who came to the emergency department reporting a heroin overdose often only had fentanyl present in their drug test results. The presence of fentanyl is causing an increased rate of overdose and death. The landscape of overdose deaths no longer primarily affects those who are using substances regularly. Due to fentanyl, we are seeing people overdose and die the first time they try an illicit substance or counterfeit pill. A local woman wants more people in the Dayton area to know about low-price test strips that detect fentanyl in street drugs, and proponents say could help opioid abusers avoid fatal overdoses. Naloxone is a prescription medicine that reverses opioid overdoses.
5. Report Suspicious Activity:
If you come across any suspicious sources or activities related to fentanyl sales, report them immediately to your local law enforcement agency or Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Your actions may prevent harm to others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I buy fentanyl pills without a prescription?
- “Overdose” simply means taking too much of a drug, and it is always accidental.
- With a fentanyl overdose, two or more doses of naloxone may need to be administered.
- In one study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 70% of participants said they would change their behavior if they knew the drugs they used contained fentanyl.
- Research by the Washington State Department of Health reveals that individuals using fentanyl test strips take steps to reduce their risk of overdose.
- Mr. Dudnik said that as a “high-volume” crystal meth addict, he had still used his drugs even when they tested positive for fentanyl.
- Before that, in early 2020, Portland lost its only sobering center, where cops could drop off people intoxicated on booze or narcotics.
Harm reduction strategies to prevent overdoses vary a bit by the specific type of drug, but generally include using less, testing your drugs, using a less risky method of administration, and not using alone. For opioids, there is a medication that can be used to reverse the effects of an overdose. The company sold eight million tests in 2022, up from about 1.5 million in 2020, almost all of them to harm reduction organizations. Even though research has confirmed that fentanyl test strips are an accurate, low-cost, and relatively easy method of testing drugs for the presence of fentanyl, they aren’t always a 100% guarantee. Ideally, it’s best to use them every time you use, but it may not be realistic for everyone.
A: No, purchasing fentanyl pills without a valid prescription is illegal and unsafe. Always consult a healthcare professional for proper guidance.
Q: Are there any legal alternatives to buy fentanyl pills?
A: Fentanyl is a controlled substance, and its purchase without a prescription is illegal. There are no legal alternatives to obtain fentanyl pills without proper medical supervision.
Each package contains one fentanyl test strip and instructions on how to use it. The participating organizations are handing out the packages at no cost. The campaign start coincided with the release of the Mayor’s Executive Order decriminalizing fentanyl test strips in Philadelphia. It was supported by many community partners including Savage Sisters, The Everywhere Project, South Philly Punks with Lunch, and 24HRPHL.
Q: How can I differentiate between legitimate and fake fentanyl pills?
A: Identifying counterfeit fentanyl pills can be difficult as they often resemble genuine pills. Only purchase medication from licensed pharmacies or trusted sources to minimize the risk of counterfeit products.
Q: What are the dangers of consuming counterfeit fentanyl pills?
A: Counterfeit fentanyl pills may contain unknown substances or lethal doses of fentanyl, putting your life at risk. It’s essential to obtain medication from legitimate sources to ensure your safety.
By following these guidelines and being aware of the potential risks associated with counterfeit drugs, you can protect yourself and make informed decisions when purchasing fentanyl pills. Prioritize your health and safety by seeking proper medical guidance and obtaining medication from reliable sources.
