- Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids — including fentanyl.
- Harm reduction experts also recommend rolling the person who has overdosed onto their side with their top knee bent, in the recovery position.
- If you or someone you know is at an increased risk for opioid overdose, you should carry naloxone and keep it at home.
- Implications for overdose prevention and initiating treatment with medications for opioid use disorder are described.
Around them, a few people openly injected dope, as an occasional pedestrian threaded past. It’s important to make sure people know about fentanyl test strips because, if they’re buying a substance off the streets of Philly, they should assume there is fentanyl present in it. It only takes a few minutes to use fentanyl test strips so people can make informed choices for safer use. One man from West Philly even shared that he overdosed from taking a pill he thought was Percocet but happened to contain fentanyl. The Health Department offers virtual trainings to individuals and organizations on the use of fentanyl test strips as a harm reduction tool as well as strategies for community engagement.
Medication Disposal Drop Off Sites
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid pain reliever that is often used to treat severe pain, such as that caused by cancer. It is a synthetic drug that is much stronger than morphine and heroin. Because of its potency, fentanyl is a highly regulated drug, and it is not available over the counter. In fact, it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which means that it has a high potential for abuse and is subject to strict regulations.
If a pharmacy does not have it in stock, request that it be ordered or ask if another location has it in stock. Report any issues with getting naloxone at your pharmacy here. We partner with a number of local organizations to make sure Naloxone and test strips are available city-wide. Below are a few of our partners that are able to provide regular access to resources. Do not let anyone else use your medication, even if he or she has the same symptoms that you have. Selling or giving away this medication may cause severe harm or death to others and is against the law.
How is Fentanyl Administered?
Laboratory Field Services
Fentanyl can be administered in several ways, including through a patch that is applied to the skin, a lozenge that is dissolved in the mouth, or an injection. It is also available in the form of a nasal spray and a film that is placed under the tongue. Regardless of how it is administered, fentanyl should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider, as it can be highly addictive and dangerous if used improperly.
As a result, many people may not know they’re ingesting fentanyl, leading to an accidental poisoning. DXM is an opioid without effects on pain reduction and does not act on the opioid receptors. When taken in large doses, DXM causes a depressant effect and sometimes a hallucinogenic effect, similar to PCP and ketamine. Repeatedly seeking to experience that feeling can lead to addiction-a chronic relapsing brain condition characterized by inability to stop using a drug despite damaging consequences to a person’s life and health. As of now, there are only three medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat opioid use disorder, a disease affecting an estimated two million individuals in the United States. Methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine are all opioid-based medications and require a prescription for use, which can make them difficult to obtain for people who urgently need them to avoid relapse.
Where Can You Get Fentanyl?
Fentanyl Kit
Some OTC medicines have active ingredients with the potential for misuse at higher-than-recommended dosages. The immunity described above also extends to the person who suffered the emergency drug or alcohol overdose event. Advocates believe it’s important to get naloxone to the people who are most likely to be around overdoses, including people who use drugs and their relatives. There is no limit on the number of fentanyl test strips that someone can receive through this program. Participating organizations have access to an unlimited supply of packages. Other types of organizations are expected to be eligible to participate in the program in future phases.
Fentanyl is only available by prescription and can only be obtained from a licensed pharmacy. It is important to note that it is illegal to possess or distribute fentanyl without a valid prescription. If you are in need of pain relief and your healthcare provider has prescribed fentanyl, it is important to follow their instructions carefully and to only use the drug as directed.
The Dangers of Fentanyl
Support Links
Fentanyl is a highly potent drug, and even small amounts can be deadly. In recent years, there has been a surge in overdoses and deaths related to fentanyl, often due to the drug being mixed with other substances such as heroin or cocaine. It is important to be aware of the dangers of fentanyl and to only use it as directed by a healthcare provider. If you suspect that someone has overdosed on fentanyl, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as it can be reversed with the administration of naloxone, a medication that can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills that are made to resemble other prescription opioids. Fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs are laced with 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.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fentanyl is not available over the counter and can only be obtained with a valid prescription. It is a highly potent drug that should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. If you are in need of pain relief, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about your options and to only use fentanyl as directed. If you suspect that someone has overdosed on fentanyl, seek medical attention immediately.
