Checking Your Drugs Using A Fentanyl Test Strip
Naloxone should be given in response to any suspected drug overdose. Naloxone will not reverse the effects of xylazine, but it does help reverse the effects of opioids such as fentanyl. Naloxone should still be given because xylazine is often used with fentanyl. Naloxone will not cause harm if opioids are not involved in an overdose. It is important to call 911 for additional medical treatment, especially since the effects of xylazine may continue after naloxone is given. Routine testing for xylazine by the Oregon State Medical Examiner began in 2020.
Ongoing virtual trainings on overdose prevention and the use of fentanyl test strips can be found at But fentanyl first made its way into the illicit drug supply about 10 years ago, particularly in areas east of the Mississippi River. The white powder looked just like heroin, but was much cheaper. Drug dealers started mixing the two drugs as a way to stretch their heroin supply.
As of this year, F.O.R.T reporting 22 overdoses in the Valley. Any time a person consumes an illicit pill in the age of fentanyl, they risk dying. In states where they are considered illegal, fentanyl test strips are considered drug paraphernalia. This has long been a fear that if you give people tools to make something safer, they’re going to take greater risk. But we actually have really good evidence in the drug-use space that harm reduction interventions don’t encourage drug use.
Understanding Fentanyl: A Key Consideration
It’s been a great resource to be able to offer those to people and to start a conversation about understanding contamination and the risks of unintentional overdose. Someone may be buying what they think is cocaine or a benzodiazepine pill, but there could be small amounts of fentanyl present. That is incredibly risky and puts them at great risk of overdose. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is about 50 times as potent as heroin. People use fentanyl because it is cheap to manufacture and a small amount goes a long way.
It works by rapidly binding to opioid receptors and blocking the effects of opioid drugs. But fentanyl is stronger than other opioid drugs like morphine and might require multiple doses of naloxone. Fentanyl is often added to other drugs to make them cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous. According to the DEA, most of the illicit supply comes from outside the United States, where clandestine laboratories synthesize fentanyl into counterfeit pills.
Naloxone is an FDA- approved medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. This means it can block opioid receptors in the body and reverse an opioid overdose for minutes. It is a temporary treatment – so you should still call 911 if someone responds to the medicine. One participant was concerned about legal implications from using fentanyl test strips. Illegally manufactured fentanyl is found in heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and in counterfeit pills. As a result, many people may not know they’re ingesting fentanyl, leading to an accidental poisoning.
Research has shown that people who use fentanyl test strips often make changes that can keep them safer. In one study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 70% of participants said they would change their behavior if they knew the drugs they used contained fentanyl. That being said, those fighting substance use disorders who are willing to take the potentially fatal risks that come with consuming illicit pills can reduce their chances of overdosing by using FTS. Test kits that include strips and a special testing solution can cost anywhere between $25 to $40 each and are available online.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often associated with severe risks and potential for addiction. As the opioid crisis continues to affect communities, many individuals find themselves asking, “can I buy fentanyl?”
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is primarily used in medical settings to manage severe pain, often in cancer patients or those recovering from major surgeries. However, its potency—about 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine—makes it susceptible to abuse.
Medical Use of Fentanyl
In a medical context, fentanyl can be prescribed in various forms:
- Transdermal patches: Slowly release medication through the skin.
- Injectable forms: Typically used in hospital settings.
- Nasal sprays: Provide quick relief for severe pain.
Risks Associated with Fentanyl
- This is likely not a new trend, and numerous vendors possibly also deal with other drug substances alongside fentanyl.
- The process of testing methamphetamine is different than testing opioids and uses more water.
- It temporarily blocks the effect of opioids and helps a person to start breathing again.
- The rise in use and overdoses are described as well as some of the reasons for these changes.
- Contact the syringe services program or Dept. of Health and Human Services in your state.
Despite its medical applications, the use of fentanyl carries significant risks:
- Overdose: Even a small amount can be fatal.
- Dependency: Physical and psychological dependence can develop quickly.
- Illicit Variants: Counterfeit pills may contain fentanyl, leading to unintentional overdose.
Can I Buy Fentanyl Safely?
The question “can I buy fentanyl?” is complex and crucial to consider carefully. Here are key points to understand:
Legitimate Purchase
In most countries, purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal. A healthcare provider must evaluate the need for its use to minimize risks.
Buying Online
With the rise of online pharmacies, many may wonder if they can buy fentanyl through these services. However, caution is advised:
- Many online sources are unregulated and may offer counterfeit medications.
- Buying fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and poses serious health risks.
- Consulting a licensed pharmacy is essential.
FAQs About Fentanyl
What should I do if I have a prescription for fentanyl?
If you have a legitimate prescription, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely, and only obtain the medication from a licensed pharmacy.
What are the signs of fentanyl misuse?
Indicators may include:
- Increased tolerance or needing more medication.
- Intense cravings for fentanyl.
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using.
How can I safely dispose of fentanyl?
To prevent misuse by others:
- Take unused fentanyl medication to a drug take-back program.
- Follow guidelines for safe disposal if no programs are available.
Final Thoughts
While the question “can I buy fentanyl?” might arise from various situations, it is crucial to approach this medication with great caution. The risks associated with fentanyl misuse and the potential for legal consequences must be weighed seriously.
