So, What’s Naloxone?
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Risks
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin. It is short acting and cannot be seen, tasted or smelled when mixed into other drugs. The sale of drugs on social media apps – and other illegal activity perpetrated on these platforms – is nothing new and has long been on the radar of policymakers. Though they pledge to do better, their solutions have fallen short in protecting users.
If you’re using a different type of drug, use half a teaspoon of water instead. In 2021, the CDC and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced that federal grant recipients, such as nonprofit drug-treatment and harm-reduction centers, can use grant money to buy the test strips. Customs and Border Protection for failing to recognize and prepare for the increase in international shipments. When a person survives an overdose, it’s because someone was present, recognized that the person was overdosing, and responded to help them.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is used medically to treat severe pain, typically in patients with cancer or those undergoing surgery. However, its high potency also makes it a substance of concern due to the significant risks of overdose and dependence.
What is Fentanyl?
It temporarily blocks the effect of opioids and helps a person to start breathing again. Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS) are a tool to test drugs for the presence of fentanyl, a strong opioid. Xylazine Test Strips (XTS) are a tool to test drugs for the presence of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain.1 It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.
Fentanyl is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It operates on the same receptors in the brain that other opioids do, leading to pain relief but also to effects such as euphoria, which contribute to its potential for abuse.
Analysis passed to the Guardian by a project funded by Innovate UK examined one of China’s largest e-commerce websites, Weiku.com. It hosts sellers that offer to ship synthetic opioid drugs to the UK. Websites based in China are selling the dangerous opioid fentanyl, which can be 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine, and drugs used for euthanasia programmes in the Netherlands and executions in US states such as Texas. The social media company MeWe said that “any group, page, or member reported on MeWe that is found to be selling any sort of illegal drug is swiftly removed by MeWe’s Trust and Safety Team and may be reported to the authorities.” “You can do this sort of business from anywhere,” said a salesperson at Crovell Biotech Co.
Naloxone is a medication used to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone works by blocking the effects of opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications. Naloxone is available in different formulations, the most common being naloxone nasal spray. Fentanyl, like other illicit substances, has a wholesale price and a personal use price (1). Pharmaceutical grade fentanyl is available for purchase on illegal online drug markets for approximately $1400 per gram for amounts smaller than 5 grams and approximately $139 per gram for amounts greater than 5 grams. 5 grams of fentanyl is enough to provide a lethal dose to 2500 adult male’s.
For example, on March 4, 2022, authorities in Portland, Oregon, confiscated 150,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl and twenty pounds of fentanyl powder. According to KGW, it is the largest drug seizure in Oregon’s history. This is not all the information you need to know about fentanyl test strips for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your healthcare provider’s advice.
Where Can I Buy Fentanyl Online?
You can’t see, smell or taste fentanyl when it’s mixed with other drugs. If you use heroin, cocaine or crack—even rarely—you’re at risk of a fentanyl-involved overdose. Any drug in any form (powder, pill) you get from a dealer, friend or an online source could have fentanyl in it. You can’t smell or taste fentanyl and fake pills made from fentanyl can look like real pills from a pharmacy. Last July, he said, there were thousands of listings for fentanyl and its analogues on AlphaBay, a darknet site that was shut down by law enforcement. Now, on Dream Market, another darknet drug market, there are just 300.
Given its dangerous nature, buying fentanyl online is fraught with challenges and risks. While there are websites that claim to sell fentanyl, it is crucial to understand the potential dangers involved.
- Legitimacy: Many online pharmacies may not be licensed or regulated, posing a risk to consumers.
- Legal Issues: Purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal in many jurisdictions and could lead to legal consequences.
- Health Risks: Fentanyl sold online may be counterfeit or contaminated, increasing the risk of overdose.
So far, all overdose deaths in Oregon where xylazine was present also involved fentanyl. 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. GAO identified possible considerations for scheduling decisions when the temporary classification expires on May 6, 2021. However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous.
Legal Considerations
It is important to consider the legal ramifications of obtaining fentanyl without proper authorization. Most countries strictly regulate prescription opioids, including fentanyl, making it essential to adhere to legal guidelines.
Safe Alternatives to Purchase Fentanyl
For those in legitimate need of fentanyl, the following options are recommended:
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: This is the safest method to obtain fentanyl. A physician can evaluate your condition and prescribe the appropriate medication.
- Licensed Pharmacies: Always obtain medications from a licensed pharmacy that requires a prescription to ensure safety and legality.
- Most people die from respiratory depression and failure from an overdose of an opioid like fentanyl.
- Any drug in any form (powder, pill) you get from a dealer, friend or an online source could have fentanyl in it.
- However, novel synthetic opioid AP-237 was first detected by the eDarkTrends NER in January 2019.
- Research by the Washington State Department of Health reveals that individuals using fentanyl test strips take steps to reduce their risk of overdose.
- Warning signs of the fentanyl-fueled opioid crisis first emerged in the Northeast.
- In 2020, over 80% of the fentanyl police confiscated with in tablet form.
FAQs About Fentanyl
Q: Why is fentanyl so dangerous?
A: Fentanyl is extremely potent, and even a small amount can lead to overdose and death, especially if not used under medical supervision.
Q: What should I do if I suspect someone has overdosed on fentanyl?
A: Call emergency services immediately. Naloxone can be administered to reverse the effects of fentanyl overdose, but medical assistance is critical.
Q: Can fentanyl be prescribed for chronic pain?
A: Yes, in some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe fentanyl for chronic pain management, but it is typically reserved for patients who have not responded to other treatments.
Conclusion
Purchasing fentanyl online is a risky endeavor that should be avoided unless done through legitimate channels with proper medical oversight. Understanding the complexities of this potent drug is essential for preventing misuse and ensuring safety.
