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- Different pain relief medicines are used in different circumstances.
- When asked about the source of their medications, some workers shifted blame to the stores’ owners.
- At one pharmacy in Cabo San Lucas, a worker warned that “a lot of people sell fake medication” — and even offered reporters advice on how to spot it.
People who use drugs may not be aware of the presence of xylazine in their drug product. There are limitations to xylazine and fentanyl drug checking strips because illicit drugs are not evenly mixed. This means that fentanyl and/or xylazine may still be present in a drug product, even when a portion of the product tested with drug checking strips does not react.
Why Is Opioid Use Disorder Treated With An Opioid-based Medication?
Others said they stopped offering controlled medications immediately after the sweeps, but soon resumed sales. Some nonprofit organizations provide fentanyl test strips for free by online mail order. But even illicit drugs that are tested should not be considered “safe.” Consuming almost any drug — especially one sold illegally — carries some inherent risk. Without testing, it’s nearly impossible to tell whether drugs are free of fentanyl.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used to treat severe pain, such as that experienced after surgery or in cancer patients. It is 50-100 times more potent than morphine and is a highly controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and addiction.
Test Strips Could Help Stop The Fentanyl Overdose Crisis
This can include cancer patients or people who undergo major surgery or who have other medical conditions that cause significant pain. As opioid overdoses continue to climb—claiming more than 80,000 American lives in 2021—the role of naloxone (often known as Narcan®, one of its brand names) is gaining attention. Access to naloxone is generally limited to health professionals. In many countries there is still limited availability of naloxone even in medical settings, including in ambulances.
Is Fentanyl Available Over the Counter?
What Are Some Signs And Symptoms Of An Opioid Overdose?
No, fentanyl is not available over the counter. It is a prescription-only medication that is typically administered in a hospital or medical setting. In some cases, a fentanyl patch or lozenge may be prescribed for use at home, but this will always require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Why is Fentanyl a Controlled Substance?
People Most Likely To Witness An Opioid Overdose
Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that can be extremely dangerous if used improperly. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Because of this, it is tightly regulated and can only be obtained with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
What are the Risks of Fentanyl Abuse?
Fentanyl abuse can lead to serious health consequences, including addiction, overdose, and death. Because of its high potency, fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, to increase their potency. This can make it difficult for users to know how much fentanyl they are taking, increasing the risk of overdose.
FAQs
- Can I buy fentanyl online? No, it is illegal to buy fentanyl online without a prescription. Any website that claims to sell fentanyl without a prescription is operating illegally and should be avoided.
- Is fentanyl safer than other opioids? No, fentanyl is actually more dangerous than other opioids due to its high potency. It should only be used under the close supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.
- What should I do if I suspect someone is abusing fentanyl? If you suspect someone is abusing fentanyl, it is important to seek help immediately. Contact a healthcare provider or a local addiction treatment center for assistance.
Over-the-counter (OTC) NARCAN®, a name brand naloxone 4mg nasal spray product, is now available for purchase in stores and through reputable online retailers. Stores may keep OTC Narcan® with other OTC medications for sale or they may keep it behind the pharmacy counter. Talk with your local pharmacist about OTC naloxone if you are unable to find it. The FDA has taken a series of measures to help facilitate access to naloxone products. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
In conclusion, fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that is tightly regulated and can only be obtained with a valid prescription. It is not available over the counter and should only be used under the close supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. If you suspect someone is abusing fentanyl, seek help immediately.
