In 2016, drug overdose deaths exceeded 64,000 in the United States, driven by a sixfold increase in deaths attributable to illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Sometimes it may take more doses, but studies show that a person experiencing an overdose involving fentanyl will usually ‘come to’ after 1 or 2 doses. Chest rigidity has been seen in some fentanyl-related overdoses and this causes the individual to stop breathing immediately. The presence of fentanyl in street drugs makes it more important than ever to recognize and treat a suspected overdose immediately. However, fentanyl test strips are not legal in every state. Some states consider them drug paraphernalia (items you need to consume drugs).
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically for pain management. However, it has also gained notoriety for its illicit use and the devastating consequences of overdose. If you are looking to buy fentanyl, whether for legitimate medical reasons or illegally, it is important to know where to source it safely.
Legitimate Sources
If you have a legitimate need for fentanyl for medical purposes, you can obtain it from licensed pharmacies with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Make sure to follow all legal and ethical guidelines when using this medication.
MORE RESOURCES ABOUT FENTANYL TEST STRIPS:
Online Pharmacies
Some online pharmacies may sell fentanyl, but it is crucial to be cautious when purchasing medications online. Make sure the online pharmacy is reputable and requires a valid prescription before selling fentanyl.
People who use substances are at a high risk of overdose if they unknowingly consume fentanyl or take it in larger amounts than they are used to. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is a synthetic opioid that can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. The potency and contents of illicit drugs, including IMF, is always changing.
How To Use Fentanyl Test Strips
Local Pharmacies
Your local brick-and-mortar pharmacies may also carry fentanyl. Talk to your doctor about obtaining a prescription and where you can fill it locally.
Illicit Sources
- Reading or hearing stories about the opioid crisis, overdoses and deaths can be scary.
- Fentanyl the prescription drug and fentanyl inside a heroin bag come from very different sources, although both can be abused.
- Below is a lethal dose of heroin compared with lethal doses of carfentanil and fentanyl.
- Please see our republishing guidelines for use of any other photos and graphics.
Buying fentanyl illegally is extremely dangerous and illegal. The risk of receiving counterfeit or contaminated products is high, and the potential for overdose is a serious concern. It is strongly advised to avoid purchasing fentanyl from illicit sources.
AMA Advocacy Insights Webinar Series: Strategies To Address The Drug Overdose And Death Epidemic
Dark Web Markets
Some individuals may attempt to purchase fentanyl from dark web markets. However, the risks associated with this method of purchase are significant, including potential legal consequences and health hazards.
Street Dealers
Buying fentanyl from street dealers is highly discouraged due to the high risk of receiving a dangerous product. Street drugs are often mixed with other substances, making them even more hazardous.
Xylazine is dangerous because it can depress breathing, blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature to critical levels and, in combination with fentanyl, can make overdose reversal challenging. 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. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Taking too many opioids at one time can cause a person to stop breathing and die. The Institute’s research shows a sharp rise in deaths from synthetic opioids, the most common of which is fentanyl and its analogues, eclipsing heroin deaths in 2020. Only take prescribed medicines purchased over-the-counter at a pharmacy. A person taking prescription fentanyl as instructed by a doctor can experience dependence, which is characterized by withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped. A person can be dependent on a substance without being addicted, but dependence can sometimes lead to addiction.
- Is it safe to buy fentanyl online?
- Can I buy fentanyl without a prescription?
- Are there any legal ways to purchase fentanyl without a prescription?
Rescue breaths are critical for people who have used xylazine because it causes breathing to slow down. Harm reduction experts also recommend rolling the person who has overdosed onto their side with their top knee bent, in the recovery position. Watch a video on How to use fentanyl test strips from Prevent Overdose-Rhode Island. Naloxone can reverse a fentanyl overdose, although in some cases it may take more doses because fentanyl is so potent.
It is not recommended to buy fentanyl online without a prescription from a reputable pharmacy.
No, fentanyl is a controlled substance and should only be obtained with a valid prescription from a healthcare provider.
No, fentanyl can only be legally obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Remember, fentanyl is a potent opioid with a high risk of addiction and overdose. Always consult with a healthcare professional before considering its use for medical purposes, and never attempt to buy it illegally.
