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If you stop taking your other pain medication(s) you will need to stop using fentanyl. CDPH SAPB monitors fatal and non-fatal drug-related overdose trends over time in California by sex, age, race/ethnicity, and drug type. These trends are also available by county and zip code on the California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard. Another witness in favor of the bill, Jon Hensley, spoke about his experience losing a friend to pain pills contaminated with fentanyl.
Understanding Fentanyl
The rescheduling of pharmaceuticals that include codeine will tighten access to these drugs from 1 February. This makes now a timely moment to consider some of the wider measures that GPs can take to improve patient outcomes and avoid the over-prescription of some medications. 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. The Statewide Standing Order to Dispense Naloxone can be used as a prescription for naloxone. People may take this standing order to a pharmacy to get naloxone instead of going to a health care provider to get a prescription.
It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. You must immediately dispose of any medication that is outdated or no longer needed through a medicine take-back program.. If you do not have a take-back program nearby or one that you can access promptly, then flush the fentanyl down the toilet so that others will not take it. Dispose of unneeded lozenges by removing each lozenge from the blister package, holding the lozenge over the toilet, and cutting off the medicine end with wire cutters so that it falls into the toilet. Throw away the remaining handles in a place that is out of the reach of children and pets, and flush the toilet twice when it contains up to five lozenges.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is used medically for pain management, particularly in patients who are undergoing surgery or suffering from severe pain. It is significantly stronger than morphine and is associated with a high risk of overdose.
Recently, a group of investigators with the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations Googled “buy fentanyl online” on the open internet, then homed in on the six sites that were most responsive to their requests. An investigator on the committee, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the findings, said these represent a tiny fraction of the hundreds of fentanyl-selling sites on the web. Learn how to respond in the event of an overdose and support a loved one in crisis. Every Wednesday, the SUPHR staff partnered with South Philly Punks with Lunch at Broad and Snyder.
The opioid epidemic has caused an increase in overdose deaths which can be attributed to fentanyl combined with various illicit substances. Drug checking programs have been started by many harm reduction groups to provide tools for users to determine the composition of their street drugs. Immunoassay fentanyl test strips (FTS) allow users to test drugs for fentanyl by either filling a baggie or cooker with water to dissolve the sample and test. The antibody used in FTS is very selective for fentanyl at high dilutions, a characteristic of the traditional use of urine testing. These street sample preparation methods can lead to mg/mL concentrations of several potential interferents.
Substance use can have a serious impact on individual and community health. The availability of opioids in recreational drugs poses both mental health and medical risks. If you or someone you care about uses opioids or other drugs, treatment is effective and available.
Can You Buy Fentanyl Over the Counter?
The question of can you buy fentanyl over the counter raises important legal and health considerations. Fentanyl is classified as a controlled substance due to its potency and potential for abuse.
In general, fentanyl is not available for purchase without a prescription, which means you cannot buy it over the counter in pharmacies or other retail establishments. Here are some key points to consider:
- Prescription Requirement: Fentanyl is strictly regulated, and a medical professional usually prescribes it. This regulation helps prevent misuse and potential harm.
- Forms of Fentanyl: Fentanyl can be found in various forms, including patches, lozenges, and injectable forms. Each of these is only available through a prescription.
- Risks of Over-the-Counter Purchases: Attempting to purchase fentanyl from unregulated sources, such as the internet or illicit markets, poses significant risks including legal repercussions and the danger of counterfeit products.
Legal Implications
In many countries, including the United States, the sale and distribution of fentanyl without a prescription is illegal. The consequences of buying or selling fentanyl illegally can include:
- Criminal Charges: Individuals caught in possession of fentanyl without a prescription may face serious legal penalties.
- Health Risks: Illicit fentanyl may be mixed with other dangerous substances, increasing the risk of overdose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I need fentanyl for pain management?
If you believe you require fentanyl for pain management, consult with a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your condition and determine if fentanyl is appropriate for you.
Are there alternatives to fentanyl for pain relief?
Yes, there are several alternatives to fentanyl for pain management, including:
- Non-Opioid Medications: Drugs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Other Opioids: Less potent opioids may be prescribed, depending on the situation.
- Physical Therapy: Non-pharmacological treatments like physical therapy or acupuncture.
- While they offer significant therapeutic benefits, they also pose a high risk of misuse, abuse and dependence.
- These may include harm reduction organizations, opioid overdose prevention programs, or needle exchanges.
- While using fentanyl, you should talk to your doctor about having a rescue medication called naloxone readily available (e.g., home, office).
- O If using substances, use with a trusted person who can respond in case of an overdose.
What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
Signs of a fentanyl overdose can include:
- Slow or difficult breathing
- Extreme drowsiness
- Loss of consciousness
- Pinpoint pupils
If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
Conclusion
In summary, can you buy fentanyl over the counter is a clear “no.” The potential risks associated with fentanyl require that it only be obtained through legal and medical channels. Always prioritize safety and legality when it comes to medication management.
