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FENTANYL
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Risks
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is primarily used for treating severe pain. However, due to its potency, it is also associated with a high risk of overdose and death.
- After a connection is made, the seller and buyer will transition to more secretive apps where messages either delete after sending or come encrypted to discuss the terms of the transaction.
- These trends are also available by county and zip code on the California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard.
- Most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose and death in the United States are linked to illicitly made fentanyl.
You can check with your local health department for availability and information on where to buy fentanyl test strips in your community. Some states consider them drug paraphernalia (items you need to consume drugs). For example, fentanyl test strips remain illegal in Texas despite their ability to save lives by preventing fatal overdoses. Because of the War on Drugs, misguided public health policy, and laws punishing drug use, the unsafe drug supply is growing. Inconsistent purity and potent cuts ranging from vet medicine (e.g. xylazine) to strong fentanyl analogues (e.g. carfentanil) are just some of the many results of the criminalization of people who use drugs.
A health care professional may prescribe them as part of a treatment plan following an injury or surgery. Some people may use opioids to cope with painful emotions, trauma, or other life experiences. Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative that is approved by FDA for animal use, but not for people. Xylazine is increasingly added to other drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl to enhance the effect or increase street value. 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. Grantees of such programs should always check with their federal project officers to ensure their purchases meet all grants policy requirements.
If the end user isn’t aware that the drug they bought has been adulterated, this could easily lead to an overdose. According to data provided to WW by Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communications, overdose and poisoning made up 6.1% of all medical calls in the first half of 2023. That’s a jump from 3.9% in the later half of 2021, the oldest comparable data due to a shift in BOEC bookkeeping. WW sent the drugs to a lab, which confirmed it was fentanyl—a weak dose, heavily cut with the diuretic mannitol. Instead, he says, ask for “fetty,” the powdered fentanyl that’s surged in popularity in the past year. And, if I don’t want to be ripped off, make sure I ask for it “clean.” It’ll cost more, between $30 and $60 a gram, but you’ll get a stronger product, he says.
Oftentimes, people who use drugs may not be aware that fentanyl is in the substances they are using. It is identified through lab testing or more conveniently fentanyl test strips which are available to the public in Minnesota. Overdose deaths involving fentanyl have quadrupled in recent years.
Below is a lethal dose of heroin compared with lethal doses of carfentanil and fentanyl. If you decide to use the drugs after testing them, you can drink them or inject them. Or you can get the powder back by letting the water evaporate. You can speed up the process by putting the dissolved drugs in a pan in the oven on the lowest setting (maximum of 225 F) while keeping the oven door cracked. When the water evaporates and the pan is cool, you can scrape the residue off with a razor or other sharp item.
While there are fentanyl patches that can be placed on the skin for pain management, this is not the formulation that’s cut into other substances. In some states test strips are legal only if they are acquired from harm reduction programs or syringe exchange programs. It’s important to note that test strips can detect the presence of fentanyl but not how much is present or its strength.
Despite the number and diversity of its analogs, fentanyl itself continues to dominate the illicit opioid supply. Milligram per milligram, fentanyl is roughly 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Once people became addicted, they turned to a cheaper alternative, heroin. Michael Marquesen first noticed about a year ago that fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid, had hit the streets of Los Angeles.
People seeking fentanyl pills should be aware of the serious implications and dangers associated with unregulated substances.
Where to Buy Fentanyl Pills
When considering where to buy fentanyl pills, it is crucial to prioritize safety and legality. Here are some avenues to consider:
- Prescription from a Licensed Physician: The safest and legal way to obtain fentanyl is through a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. This ensures that the medication is appropriate for your condition and that you are monitored for side effects.
- Pharmacies: Fentanyl pills can be dispensed at pharmacies after receiving a valid prescription. Ensure the pharmacy is accredited and reputable.
- Online Pharmacies: Caution is advised when using online pharmacies. Make sure they are licensed and require a prescription. Websites that sell fentanyl without a prescription are likely illegal and potentially dangerous.
What to Avoid When Purchasing Fentanyl Pills
Consumers should avoid:
- Illegal Marketplaces: Buying fentanyl pills from the streets or illegal online drugs marketplaces can lead to purchasing counterfeit products that may be lethal.
- Non-Reputable Vendors: Engaging with vendors that do not require prescriptions or provide vague information about their products is highly risky.
Potential Risks of Unsanctioned Purchases
Purchasing fentanyl pills without proper oversight can have dangerous consequences, including:
- Overdose: Fentanyl is extremely potent, and even a small miscalculation in dosage can lead to fatal outcomes.
- Contaminated Products: Pills obtained from unregulated sources may contain harmful additives or may not even contain fentanyl at all.
- Legal Consequences: Possession of fentanyl without a prescription can lead to severe legal repercussions.
FAQs About Fentanyl Pills
Q1: Can I buy fentanyl pills legally?
A1: Fentanyl pills can only be purchased legally with a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Q2: What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
A2: Signs include slowed breathing, extreme drowsiness, inability to wake up, and blue-tinged lips or nails.
Q3: Is it safe to buy fentanyl online?
A3: It is only safe to buy fentanyl online from licensed pharmacies that require a prescription. Unregulated sources are dangerous.
Q4: What should I do if I suspect someone has overdosed on fentanyl?
A4: Call emergency services immediately and provide as much information as possible. If available, provide naloxone (Narcan) to reverse the overdose.
Conclusion
While the question of where to buy fentanyl pills may arise for those in need of pain management, the quest for safety and legality cannot be overstated. Engaging with licensed healthcare providers and accredited pharmacies is the best way to ensure both personal safety and compliance with the law.
