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Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is primarily used for managing severe pain. It is estimated to be up to 100 times stronger than morphine and has gained significant attention due to its potential for abuse and overdose.
- The tag on her white lab coat read “professional pharmacist,” and the framed health and safety certificates lining the walls behind her gave the drugstore an air of legitimacy.
- In the cold condition, all FTS gave a false positive result (only appearance of control band).
- They can educate youth and their community on the dangers of fentanyl and how to help prevent opioid misuse and addiction.
- Shipments between chemical companies weren’t considered suspicious.
- You have the facts and are ready to start having real talks with the people in your life about opioids.
Walgreens told ABC News Narcan will be available in stores and online as soon as Sept. 5, with nationwide availability on Sept. 7, and that it will be sold at the suggested retail price. Walmart said it will be available the first week of September and Kroger Health told ABC News it will be carrying Narcan but did not give a date for when it will be available. Every Wednesday, the SUPHR staff partnered with South Philly Punks with Lunch at Broad and Snyder. They gave out homemade food, drinks, clothing, and additional harm reduction supplies. “Because fentanyl is so powerful, patients are having greater physical withdrawals,” Ward said. “We’ve seen an uptick in the amount of medication we’ve had to prescribe for some patients just to keep them stable.”
The Controlled Substance Act
Wash your hands well with water after throwing away fentanyl patches. Fentanyl patches may harm or cause death to other adults and children who use them. Store fentanyl patches in a safe place so that no one else can use them accidentally or on purpose. Be especially careful to keep fentanyl patches out of the reach of children. Keep track of how many patches are left so you will know if any are missing.
If signs of an overdose are present:
Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II drug. This means it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe physical and psychological dependence.
Prescription Medication Only
What are some Opioid Use Disorder and Substance Use Disorder Resources in North Carolina?
No, you cannot buy fentanyl over the counter. It is strictly regulated and can only be obtained with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. This is because of the inherent risks associated with its misuse and potential for addiction.
Why is a Prescription Required?
Fentanyl is a potent opioid that requires careful monitoring by healthcare providers to ensure its proper use and minimize the risk of adverse effects. Due to its high potency, incorrect dosing or misuse can result in respiratory depression, coma, or even death.
Drugs – Overview
The Times is not naming independent pharmacies or workers due to safety concerns, including the threat of violence. One of those bottles — sold as Adderall — tested positive for methamphetamine. 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.
Possible Alternatives
If you are experiencing severe pain and seeking relief, there are several over-the-counter options available, including:
Mejia was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2021 in local reporting for her investigation with colleague Jack Dolan that exposed failures in Los Angeles County’s safety-net healthcare system. At a Puerto Vallarta location of the prominent national chain Farmacias Similares, a worker said only customers with prescriptions could buy controlled medications. Other pharmacies, she said, would sell them without a prescription — depending on who you are. On two separate trips to Puerto Vallarta, reporters visited several stores in that same regional chain, and repeatedly purchased pills sold as Adderall that tested positive for methamphetamine. At a Puerto Vallarta outpost of a drugstore chain that sold reporters fake medications, Ed Sheeran was crooning through tinny speakers about having faith in what he sees. Shopping for narcotic medications in pharmacies in Mexico often means listening to workers explain that bottles stashed in hidden compartments and loose pills kept in unlabeled plastic bags contain legitimate medications.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen
- Topical creams or patches containing lidocaine or capsaicin
Commonly abused depressants include drugs such as Xanax, Ativan, Valium, and Ambien. Many state and local governments enforce age limits on the sale of products containing these substances. The fentanyl test strips given away were packaged into kits including 10 strips, each with instructions on how to use them, a pocket-sized set of instructions with pictures, and information on fentanyl. The kits also included a NEXT Distro card, which is a mail-based program where people can receive free Narcan and fentanyl test strips. While fentanyl overdoses can be reversed with naloxone, the high potency of the drug means more naloxone is needed to counteract it, both Anand and Ward said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fentanyl legally available online?
No, it is illegal to purchase fentanyl online without a prescription. Websites offering fentanyl without a valid prescription are operating illegally and pose significant risks to consumers.
Can I obtain fentanyl from another country?
Fentanyl regulations vary by country, but in most cases, it can only be obtained with a prescription. Attempting to import fentanyl without proper authorization is illegal and may result in severe legal consequences.
Why is fentanyl so dangerous?
Fentanyl’s high potency makes it particularly dangerous when used improperly or without medical supervision. It can lead to respiratory depression, addiction, and overdose, often resulting in fatal outcomes.
Is fentanyl used recreationally?
Unfortunately, fentanyl is sometimes misused recreationally due to its opioid effects. However, this is extremely dangerous and significantly increases the risk of overdose and death.
It is crucial to prioritize your health and safety by seeking proper medical advice and following prescribed treatments for pain relief. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication.