Reimagining Safety At The University Of Washington
Recognizing the value of fentanyl test strips in reducing the harms of drug use, Gov. Tony Evers signed legislation in March to allow the test strips to be used in Wisconsin. In this training we discuss how to normalize addiction through patient-centered care to improve outcomes and reduce overdose deaths. Local Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs or OOPPs connect New Yorkers with naloxone, naloxone training, fentanyl test strips, and safe syringe access and disposal services. Fentanyl test strips are paper strips used to detect the presence of fentanyl in injectable substances, powders, and pills.
Understanding the Context of Fentanyl
It’s importnat to know that fentanyl test strips are not fool proof. A negative test does not guarantee that your drugs are “safe.” Carrying Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal drug, is always recommended for anybody who uses drugs or is around people who use drugs. Some drug dealers are mixing fentanyl with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. This is because it takes very little to produce a high with fentanyl, making it a cheaper option.
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. The campaign targeted areas that had seen an increase in overdoses as well as areas where people use drugs recreationally. Fentanyl overdoses and deaths have increased over the past few years.
Prescription fentanyl has been around for years, intended for chronic severe pain, trauma and cancer patients. Brand names include Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze where the drug is administered through a patch, injection or lollipop. The Food and Drug Administration the week of Oct. 23 cleared for marketing the first over-the-counter test to detect fentanyl in urine. The agency expedited review of the Alltest Fentanyl Urine Test Cassette, clearing it only 16 days after the submission was received. Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is able to provide more information as well as training or presentation opportunities that cover the topics of harm reduction, HIV, viral hepatitis, and STDs. For more information, or to request a presentation, send an email to
A convenience sample was recruited from the 4644 currently practicing community pharmacists who had a valid email address on file with the NCBOP. These pharmacists were invited to participate in a 10-min, confidential, online survey. Fentanyl has proved dangerously difficult to recognize – and profitable to cut into other street drugs. A potentially lethal dose of fentanyl can be as little as two milligrams, equivalent in size to a few grains of salt.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that has gained attention due to its medical applications and its illicit use. Originally developed for pain management, it has become a substance of concern due to the opioid crisis affecting many communities.
It can be found in the illicit drug market and is being mixed with other illicitly manufactured opioids like heroin, in pressed pills, cocaine, MDMA, and methamphetamines to increase their potency. Because of how potent it is, it can significantly increase the risk of overdose. According to the CDC 82.3% of opioid overdose deaths in 2020 involved synthetic opioids, like Fentanyl.
Prefer a confidential in-person session with a peer educator? SHOP has drop-in info sessions at the Student Health Center with the Party Safe Team. Drop-in for a 15 minute session to learn how to use Narcan & Fentanyl Test Strips and get your questions answered. The 23- item Qualtrix survey instrument utilized to gauge NC Community pharmacists’ willingness to engage in various FTS behaviors, and demographic data. The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from Dr. Delesha Carpenter upon reasonable request. 1, 592 pharmacists were included in the final analysis, resulting in a survey completion rate of 12.7%.
Medical Uses of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is prescribed in various forms, including patches, lozenges, and injectable formulations. It is used to treat severe pain, often in cases such as:
- The vape pens contain THC resin which potentially holds up to 60 percent of THC inside the cartridge.
- What’s different about the fentanyl market is the potency of its product.
- In most cases, you cannot know if someone has used fentanyl.
- Thousands of people have their lives back thanks to our work.
- Learn how to stay safe with fentanyl with these shareable infographics, available in English, Español, and Português.
- Post-surgical pain
- Chronic pain conditions
- Terminal illnesses
Where to Buy Fentanyl Safely
Purchasing fentanyl should always occur through legal and medical channels. Here are recommended methods:
- Prescription from a licensed healthcare provider: The most legitimate way to acquire fentanyl is by obtaining a prescription from a doctor who understands your medical needs.
- Pharmacies: Authorized pharmacies are equipped to fill prescriptions for fentanyl products. It’s essential to ensure the pharmacy is legitimate and licensed.
- Hospital or medical facility: In settings like hospitals, fentanyl may be administered under strict medical supervision.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl Illegally
Attempting to obtain fentanyl from illegal sources poses significant health risks, including:
- Exposure to counterfeit drugs
- Increased risk of overdose
- Legal consequences
- Health complications due to impurities
FAQs About Fentanyl
1. Is fentanyl safe to use?
When used correctly under medical supervision, fentanyl can be safe, but it carries risks, especially if misused.
2. Can I buy fentanyl online?
Buying fentanyl online without a prescription is illegal and highly discouraged due to safety concerns.
3. What should I do if I have a prescription for fentanyl?
Fill your prescription at a licensed pharmacy and follow your healthcare provider’s guidelines for use.
4. How can I tell if a pharmacy is legitimate?
Check for accreditation with local health authorities, and ensure they require a prescription for controlled substances like fentanyl.
Conclusion
Understanding where to buy fentanyl involves recognizing the importance of legal and medical routes. Misuse of this powerful opioid can lead to serious health risks, making it essential to prioritize safety and legality in all transactions related to fentanyl.
