Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is primarily used as a pain medication and anesthesia. It is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. As such, it is tightly regulated by law and cannot be purchased over the counter like common medications.
Why is Fentanyl Controlled?
Fentanyl is an extremely potent opioid, estimated to be 50-100 times stronger than morphine. Its potency makes it highly dangerous and prone to misuse. Due to its potential for abuse, addiction, and overdose, strict regulations have been put in place to control its distribution and use.
That means if you buy things like Percocet, Vicodin or OxyContin you didn’t get from a pharmacy with a prescription, you need to assume they are fakes that contain fatal amounts of fentanyl. People all over Wisconsin are unknowingly taking drugs containing fentanyl and overdosing because the drugs look identical to what they are used to taking. Get the facts on fentanyl to know how to protect yourself and your loved ones. State funding is critical to keep the supply at a low or no cost. Right now, local agencies are receiving free Naloxone kits thanks to the efforts of the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition and grant money.
Training on How to Use Naloxone
So, where can you get Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is only available through a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. It is typically prescribed for severe pain management, especially for patients with terminal illnesses or those undergoing certain surgical procedures.
While many may have a copay for the brand, Narcan, other brands may be free. The Pennsylvania Naloxone Copay Assistance Program will cover up to $75 of any out-of-pocket costs for naloxone. “The opportunity to have Narcan available in the form of what retailers can provide, online and expanding that is critically important,” he said. Tricia Moriarty, a spokesperson, said Walmart will have over-the-counter Narcan in some of its stores and online as soon as this weekend. 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. Any business that wants to provide the drug can buy it directly through a wholesaler.
Over that time period, he received 15 packages through the Postal Service on dates that closely corresponded to payments he made to an online seller. He died in early 2017 from “acute fentanyl intoxication.” He had received a package from an online seller just 30 days before his death. Do not let anyone else use your medication, even if he or she has the same symptoms that you have.
Seasonal affective disorder, winter blues and self-care tips to get ahead of symptoms
If you believe that fentanyl may be necessary for your medical condition, consult with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and determine the appropriate course of action.
However, naloxone is just one component of a comprehensive approach to the opioid overdose epidemic, and additional efforts are needed to address opioid misuse and addiction and promote health, well-being, and recovery for all. There are many formulations of naloxone, an opioid overdose-reversal drug. As a result of the FDA’s recent approval action, Narcan 4 milligram (mg) naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray will be available on a nonprescription basis. In addition to being used by healthcare professionals, naloxone is increasingly being distributed to first responders, and family members who may witness and respond to an opioid overdose. The availability of nonprescription and prescription naloxone could help to further increase its distribution and accessibility, potentially saving more lives and reducing the burden of opioid overdose on individuals, families, and communities. The campaign start coincided with the release of the Mayor’s Executive Order decriminalizing fentanyl test strips in Philadelphia.
Senior Health
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
More than 1,500 Americans per week die from taking some type of opioid, making the drug by far the leading cause of fatal overdoses in the country. In recent years, the crisis has become defined by illicit fentanyl, an extremely lethal synthetic opioid. Illegal fentanyl supplies are largely produced in China and Mexico and then smuggled into the United States. As a reference point, we present overall opioid-involved drug poisoning data for the state. Similar to national trends from the CDC and others, we compare opioid-involved drug poisonings involving heroin, commonly prescribed opioids, and other synthetic opioids, the most common of which are fentanyl and its anologues. Pharmaceutical opioids have declined after 2006 as heroin increased, and starting in 2016 other synthetic opioids started increasing.
-
Can I purchase fentanyl online without a prescription?
No, it is illegal to buy fentanyl online without a valid prescription. Websites selling fentanyl without proper authorization are operating illegally and pose significant risks to the buyer. -
Are there any legal alternatives to fentanyl?
Yes, there are various other prescription pain medications available that can provide similar relief. Your doctor can help determine the most suitable alternative based on your specific needs. -
What are the risks of using fentanyl without a prescription?
Using fentanyl without proper medical supervision can lead to severe health complications, addiction, and even fatal overdose. It is critical to follow your doctor’s instructions and never self-medicate. -
Is fentanyl available over the counter in any country?
No, fentanyl is strictly regulated worldwide due to its potential dangers. It is not available over the counter anywhere.
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. We tested whether these concentrated samples could cause false positive results on a FTS.
Remember, misusing or abusing fentanyl can have serious consequences for your health and well-being. Always consult with a healthcare professional and follow their guidance when it comes to any medication, including fentanyl.
