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Share these #OnePillKills graphics (ZIP) to increase awareness about the fentanyl crisis. Misuse of DXM products containing acetaminophen can cause liver damage. Students, staff, faculty and community members can also access resources outside the university. Cedars-Sinai’s Newsroom spoke with Huntington Health Emergency Department Pharmacist Evan Adintori, PharmD, and Emergency Physician Sam Beckerman, MD, PhD, about their work to curb the fentanyl epidemic. Additional fentanyl test kits and doses of NARCAN® will be purchased and distributed with funds made available from the National Prescription Opiate Litigation settlement funds. Learn how to stay safe with fentanyl with these shareable infographics, available in English, Español, and Português.
Testing drugs for fentanyl can save lives, Joshua O’Neal with the Fulton County Board of Health said. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with fentanyl and lead to unwanted side effects. If you switch to fentanyl nasal spray from another form of fentanyl, you will not use the same dose. Do not crush, split, suck, or chew fentanyl tablets, or swallow the tablets whole.
Repeatedly seeking to experience that feeling can lead to addiction-a chronic relapsing brain condition characterized by inability to stop using a drug despite damaging consequences to a person’s life and health. As of now, there are only three medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat opioid use disorder, a disease affecting an estimated two million individuals in the United States. Methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine are all opioid-based medications and require a prescription for use, which can make them difficult to obtain for people who urgently need them to avoid relapse. But what if treatment was within reach without a visit to the doctor’s office? The Works Program is a free, legal and anonymous harm reduction program that provides free supplies, disposal programs and referrals.
Understanding Fentanyl: A Dangerous Opioid
The approval may also affect the status of other brand-name naloxone nasal spray products of 4 mg or less, but determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis and the FDA may contact other firms as needed. False positives may occur, the strips do not tell you how much fentanyl is present or how potent it is, and not all states consider the strips legal. Fentanyl is estimated to be about 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as a pain reliever. The Los Angeles Department of Public Health has issued a health alert warning residents that fentanyl and other illicit narcotics have been found in pharmaceuticals in Mexico.
An increasing concern in public health is the misuse of opioids, particularly fentanyl. This potent synthetic opioid is known for its high potential for addiction and overdose. Before exploring the question, can you buy fentanyl over the counter, it’s essential to understand what fentanyl is and its clinical uses.
If you have questions about a fentanyl prescription that you received from a healthcare provider, talk to your pharmacist or primary care provider. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products. Some online retailers sell fentanyl test strips, and certain states such as Ohio are now providing test strips in vending machines for easier access, sometimes along with naloxone.
A dose of fentanyl that fits on the tip of a pencil can be deadly. In recent months, several people prescribed ADHD drugs told The Times they’d purchased or considered purchasing their medications in Mexico. If you or a loved one uses illicit drugs, take steps to prevent a fentanyl overdose. Carry, use, and share fentanyl test strips, which can save lives.
Distributors in the US sell counterfeit pills on social media, appealing to a younger, more opioid naïve audience that use social media apps. Opioid naïve individuals are at high risk of accidental overdose because they do not have a tolerance for opioids, may not have access to naloxone, and may not know how to decrease overdose risk. VDH is prioritizing high-priority individuals to receive no-cost naloxone.
Loperamide misuse can also lead to fainting, stomach pain, constipation, eye changes, and loss of consciousness. It can cause the heart to beat erratically or rapidly, or cause kidney problems. These effects may increase if taken with other medicines that interact with loperamide. Other effects have not been well studied and reports are mixed, but the physical consequences of loperamide misuse can be severe.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid analgesic used primarily in medical settings for pain management. Typically, it is administered in various forms, including:
- Injectable solutions
- Transdermal patches
- Lollipops
- Lozenges
Due to its potency, fentanyl is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, which makes it effective in treating severe pain, particularly after surgeries or in cancer patients.
The Dangers of Fentanyl
Although fentanyl can be crucial in medical treatments, misuse of the drug poses significant health risks:
- High potential for addiction
- Risk of overdose
- Severe respiratory depression
Additionally, illicit fentanyl production has led to numerous cases of accidental overdoses, particularly when it is mixed with other street drugs.
Can You Buy Fentanyl Over the Counter?
The straightforward answer to the question can you buy fentanyl over the counter is no. Fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. This classification means:
- You must have a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to obtain fentanyl legally.
- It cannot be purchased at pharmacies without proper medical authorization.
Prescription Regulations
In the United States and many other countries, the legal framework surrounding fentanyl dictates strict prescribing practices:
- Naloxone is typically administered through a nasal spray, but it also comes in an injectable from.
- Based on previous legislation in some states, fentanyl test strips are classified as drug paraphernalia and are considered illegal.
- These medicines interact with the same opioid receptors in the brain on which fentanyl acts, but they do not produce the same effects.
- 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.
- Only certain healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurse practitioners, can prescribe fentanyl.
- Prescriptions must be based on a documented medical need.
- Pharmacies often require identification and may track prescriptions to prevent misuse.
FAQs about Fentanyl
1. What should I do if I have a prescription for fentanyl?
If you have a valid prescription for fentanyl, follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider carefully. Always store the medication safely to prevent misuse by others.
2. What are the signs of a fentanyl overdose?
Signs of overdose can include:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Slow or difficult breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Cold or clammy skin
3. Are there alternatives to fentanyl for pain management?
Yes, there are several alternatives available, including:
- NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen
- Other opioids such as hydrocodone or oxycodone
- Non-pharmacological therapies like physical therapy or acupuncture
Ultimately, if you’re considering pain management options, consult a healthcare professional to evaluate the most appropriate treatments for your condition.
Conclusion
In summary, can you buy fentanyl over the counter is a crucial question in the context of current public health issues surrounding opioid usage. Fentanyl is strictly regulated and should only be used under professional medical guidance to prevent misuse and protect public safety.
