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Over the past year, King County has been working with community organizations to expand access to both tools—leading to the distribution of over 100,000 fentanyl test strips and over 13,000 naloxone kits. In recent years, fentanyl has been increasingly found in other illicit drugs such as counterfeit pills, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. And considering the potency of fentanyl, even a small amount can be deadly.
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Risks
Because of the War on Drugs, misguided public health policy, and laws punishing drug use, the unsafe drug supply is growing. Inconsistent purity and potent cuts ranging from vet medicine (e.g. xylazine) to strong fentanyl analogues (e.g. carfentanil) are just some of the many results of the criminalization of people who use drugs. No matter the result from using fentanyl test strips, having naloxone nearby is key to saving a life in case an opioid overdose does happen. Naloxone can reverse any opioid overdose, whether it’s from heroin, fentanyl, or analogues like carfentanil. If you don’t have naloxone on hand during an opioid overdose, rescue breaths are essential. The Massachusetts state Senate voted unanimously to legalize fentanyl test strips across the commonwealth earlier this month.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often prescribed for severe pain management. However, its potency and potential for misuse have led to serious health risks, including addiction and overdose.
What is Fentanyl?
Robert is a 33-year-old man with piercing blue eyes and tightly cropped brown hair who grew up in a small town in Eastern Washington. He was introduced to opioids as a teenager when a neighbor handed him a fistful of prescription pills in exchange for mowing her lawn. Eventually, he started injecting heroin, which helped numb the pain after his best friend died of an overdose and his mother died of cancer.
Pharmacists play a vital role in overdose risk reduction through opioid medication counseling and the dispensing of naloxone [15]. Although pharmacists are actively engaged with overdose reduction strategies, no published research reports on pharmacist awareness of and willingness to sell FTS [16]. Test kits that include strips and a special testing solution can cost anywhere between $25 to $40 each and are available online. But there are more than 60 community programs in California and many provide fentanyl testing strips for free.
When used for medical reasons, prescription opioids, including fentanyl, are safe and effective for pain relief. However, illicitly produced and distributed fentanyl is life-threatening and has contributed to the ongoing opioid crisis in Texas and the US. Among the U.S. cities with the highest number of people who use heroin, Baltimore is taking novel steps to address the opioid epidemic within its boundaries. The city’s health department has actively worked to get naloxone, the opioid-overdose reversal medication, into the hands of people who can use it to save lives, and to expand access to addiction treatment. Working with the nonprofit Code in the Schools, the city in 2017 launched a “bad batch” text alert system, to warn people who use drugs when there is a spike in overdose deaths in a certain area. Health departments and community-based organizations across the country have been stepping up to respond to the opioid crisis.
Fentanyl is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is commonly used for treating advanced cancer pain and is available in various forms, including:
Individuals should call 911 immediately after administering naloxone. Be aware that it may take more than one dose of naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose. People using xylazine can develop a dependence and may be at risk of withdrawal.
- Patches
- Lozenges
- Injectable solutions
How Can I Buy Fentanyl Safely?
If you find yourself wondering, how can I buy fentanyl? it is crucial to prioritize safety and legality. Here are some steps to consider:
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: The first step to purchasing fentanyl legally is to obtain a prescription. Speak with your doctor about your pain management needs.
- Visit Licensed Pharmacies: Once you have a prescription, you can buy fentanyl at licensed pharmacies. Ensure the pharmacy is legitimate to avoid counterfeit products.
- Check for Legitimate Online Pharmacies: If you prefer online purchasing, only use pharmacies that require a valid prescription and are accredited. Look for reviews and check for legitimate certification.
Legal and Health Considerations
Purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and poses significant health risks. It is essential to understand the following:
- FTS are a relatively new harm reduction tool, and as such there is limited awareness of FTS among both PWUD and pharmacists.
- IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 26) was used to analyze the data.
- Click here for some helpful FAQs that we have compiled from local, state, and federal health agencies, as well as information on the County’s next vaccination event this week.
- Attorney Matt Cronin wonder where all the fentanyl was coming from.
- Customs by shipping it to a co-conspirator in the United States posing as a legitimate chemical company.
- Addiction Potential: Fentanyl has a high risk for abuse and addiction.
- Increased Overdose Risk: Due to its potency, overdose can occur quickly and be fatal.
- Legal Consequences: Buying or selling fentanyl illegally can lead to serious legal repercussions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I buy fentanyl without a prescription?
No, fentanyl should only be purchased with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
2. What should I do if I have an excess of fentanyl?
Return any unused fentanyl to a pharmacy or participate in a drug take-back program to ensure safe disposal.
3. What are the signs of a fentanyl overdose?
Signs include difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. Immediate medical assistance is crucial.
4. Are there alternatives to fentanyl for pain management?
Yes, alternatives include non-opioid medications, physical therapy, and other non-pharmaceutical pain relief methods. Consult your healthcare provider for options.
Conclusion
If you are considering how can I buy fentanyl, prioritizing health and legality is vital. Always consult with medical professionals and adhere to safety protocols to ensure responsible use. Knowledge and caution can help mitigate the risks associated with fentanyl and other opioids.
