Understanding Fentanyl
Earlier this year, he took a few days off from his consulting job in Chicago for a family trip to Cancún. Muñoz was 30 and in Mexico for the first time, and he decided to stop in at a drugstore for ibuprofen. At a small drugstore on one of the city’s main streets, an employee working the register said drug regulators had searched the store — even inspecting the bathroom and going through employees’ bags. That pretense faded seconds later, when she was asked for controlled medications — and got on her hands and knees to pop open a hidden panel under the counter. She rooted around for a minute and emerged with two sealed bottles.
Michael Marquesen first noticed about a year ago that fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid, had hit the streets of Los Angeles. People suddenly started overdosing after they shot up a new white powder that dealers promised would give them a powerful high. In one study of 242 heroin users in British Columbia, 70 tested positive for fentanyl—and more than 50 of those hadn’t known they were using it. The strips developed by the biotechnology company BTNX based in Toronto, Canada, are only sold to governments and harm reduction programs.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid primarily used for pain management, particularly in cases of severe pain, such as after surgery or for patients with cancer. It is significantly more potent than morphine and has a high potential for abuse and addiction.
By now, you may know a family shattered by the opioid epidemic. That’s more Americans than were killed in vehicle accidents or by firearms. One drug, fentanyl, is like rocket fuel in the sharp rise of the crisis. Fentanyl is a painkiller invented in the 1960’s and used to relieve the agony of advanced cancer.
Opioid dependence is a disorder of regulation of opioid use arising from repeated or continuous use of opioids. If your student chooses to use, encourage them to assume that any pill or drug not purchased directly from a pharmacy could contain fentanyl. This includes illicit drugs (cocaine, heroin, meth, etc.) as well as prescription medications (Xanax, Oxycodone, etc.). Through a partnership with StopHIVATL and the Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition, free fentanyl test strips are available now to stop opioid overdose deaths. Synthetic fentanyl has been found in cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, pills, and marijuana, causing overdoses and deaths. If you use drugs, you may be at risk for taking fentanyl without even knowing it.
Forms of Fentanyl
How Do People Use Fentanyl?
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Discontinue all other extended-release opioids when beginning therapy. Do not change to another form of fentanyl eg injection, skin patch, dissolving film, or “lollipop” device. If you switch from another form of fentanyl, you will not use the same dose. For just a couple of bucks a test, a person can find out if what they are about to use has fentanyl in it.
The Australian Government is offering this medication free of charge and without a prescription to people who may experience, or witness, an opioid overdose. Fentanyl is to blame for 146 deaths in Vermont since 2016, when it overtook heroin and prescription painkillers as the most deadly opioid in the state. The potent synthetic has already killed 30 people in Vermont in 2018, more than heroin and prescription opioids combined, according to state data. More than 80 per cent of drugs sold as heroin on the streets of Vancouver don’t contain any heroin at all, while nearly all of them contain the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl.
WHO recommends the use of a range of treatment options for opioid dependence. WHO supports countries in improving the coverage and quality of treatment programmes for opioid dependence and introducing them where they do not already exist. Other drugs may interact with fentanyl, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. This classroom-style training offers an informative presentation to a small group in 30 to 45 minutes, with plenty of time for questions and practice. Participants will learn how to recognize and appropriately respond to an opioid overdose.
- If you have any of these side effects while taking fentanyl, or if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell, speak with your pharmacist or doctor.
- Emergent is shipping “several hundred thousand” boxes of Narcan to major retail chains in the first week, followed by more boxes to smaller chains over September, said Paul Williams, a senior vice president.
- It started with the overprescribing of prescription pain relievers.
Fentanyl is available in various forms, including:
- Patches
- Lollipops
- Injectable solutions
- Tablets
Can You Buy Fentanyl Over the Counter?
The question arises: can you buy fentanyl over the counter? The answer is a resounding no. Fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it is illegal to obtain it without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
The Risks of Fentanyl
Due to its potency, fentanyl carries significant risks, including:
- Overdose, which can lead to respiratory failure and death
- Addiction and dependence, even when used as prescribed
- Increased likelihood of misuse and diversion
Legal Regulations Surrounding Fentanyl
Only licensed medical professionals can prescribe fentanyl, and even then, it is typically reserved for patients who have not responded well to other pain medications. The regulations in place exist to protect individuals from the dangers associated with misuse.
Alternatives to Fentanyl
If you are seeking pain relief options, there are several alternatives to fentanyl:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Other opioids, with a lower risk profile
- Non-pharmacological treatments, such as physical therapy or acupuncture
FAQs About Fentanyl
1. Why is fentanyl so dangerous?
Fentanyl is extremely potent, making even a small amount potentially lethal. It can quickly lead to overdose, especially when mixed with other substances.
2. How is fentanyl typically administered?
It can be administered via transdermal patches, injections, or oral tablets, all of which require a prescription.
3. What should I do if I suspect an overdose?
If someone is suspected of an overdose on fentanyl, call emergency services immediately and provide as much information as possible.
4. Can people develop a tolerance to fentanyl?
Yes, long-term use can lead to increased tolerance, which may result in higher doses being required to achieve the same pain relief.
5. Are there addiction treatment options for fentanyl users?
Yes, there are specialized treatment programs available for individuals struggling with fentanyl addiction, including medication-assisted treatment and counseling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fentanyl should never be purchased over the counter due to its dangerous nature and potential for abuse. Individuals in need of pain management should consult with their healthcare provider for appropriate alternatives and solutions.
