How Are Fentanyl Test Strips Used?
Understanding Fentanyl: A Brief Overview
Similar to other illicit substances that serve medical purposes when used properly, fentanyl is available in a multitude of applications (3). Though they are intended for medical purposes, these products are made available for illicit purposes as well. The transaction starts with advertising on apps like Instagram or Facebook, public platforms where dealers will post suggestive emojis looking for customers. 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. After that, payment is sent, drugs are shipped, and within minutes, the deal is done. The drug and fentanyl epidemic is moving to the social media sphere, and many parents do not know their kids are part of it.
The majority, 76 percent of these teenagers, buy these prescription pills illegally. Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are a form of drug testing technology which can detect the presence of fentanyl in drug samples prior to use. FTS are a reliable common-sense means of providing people at risk of fentanyl exposure with more information that can decrease risk of overdose. As of July 2021, FTS are no longer within the legal definition of “drug paraphernalia” in Minnesota and are thus legal to possess, carry, and distribute. The first known xylazine-involved overdose death in Minnesota was in 2019. Since then, the number of xylazine-involved deaths has increased year over year.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid pain reliever that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is typically prescribed for severe pain, such as pain from cancer or major surgeries. However, its potency also leads to a high potential for abuse and overdose.
NPR addiction correspondent Brian Mann contributed reporting from New York. “The cutoffs were temporary,” said Louise Shelley, a George Mason University professor who researches fentanyl supply chains and studied the impact of the pandemic on sales. “The problem has not ended. [Fentanyl sales] are still going on the open Web.” The salesperson said the company also sold a banned fentanyl precursor, at $1,100 a kilogram. “We ship a special way, can ensure you can receive the goods. We have the product in stock,” a salesperson for Hebei Speedgain Biotechnology Co.
Fentanyl is safe when it’s prescribed by a doctor and taken as directed. You can poison yourself if you change the medicine to get a stronger or faster effect. People take fentanyl to help with pain (such as cancer pain) that other medicine has not been able to help with. “Usually by the time somebody is transitioning to fentanyl, they’re already needing to use pretty consistently throughout the day to feel normal, to not be in withdrawal,” Kast said.
Risks Associated with Fentanyl
When considering fentanyl, it is crucial to be aware of several risks:
The original COAST funding supported dashboard visualizations showing various local data to provide trend information and insights on opioid abatement opportunities. This involved creating a dashboard receiving data securely from various agencies, including naloxone administration by all pre-hospital care providers as well as the VCBH rescue kits issued to county residents. These data are used to monitor trends and assist in enhancing outreach and targeting prevention services. Fentanyl test strips are an important tool to help prevent a drug overdose from illegally-made fentanyl, a potent and often deadly opioid. Fentanyl test strips can be used to determine if drugs have been mixed or cut with fentanyl.
- Naloxone displaces the opioids from the opioid receptors in the brain which allows the person who is experiencing an opioid overdose to begin breathing normally.
- These medicines interact with the same opioid receptors in the brain on which fentanyl acts, but they do not produce the same effects.
- Access to the Internet gives even small-time sellers in China transnational reach to market and ship their potent products.
- These labs are not being run by individuals with an interest in quality control and scientific measures.
- High risk of addiction and dependency.
- Potential for fatal overdose, especially if combined with other substances.
- Variability in street-level formulations may contain unknown additives.
- Legal implications involved in unauthorized purchase or possession.
It is often contained in illicit drugs without the user’s knowledge. It may be laced into other illegal street drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, fake opioid pills, or methamphetamine (“meth”). It is relatively cheap to make and allows an illicit drug manufacturer to stretch their product, make it more powerful and addictive, and gain more money for themselves. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Illicitly-manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is driving much of the increase in overdoses seen in Minnesota and nationally in recent years. The content on this page refers to illicitly-manufactured fentanyl.
Research on public health partnerships with community pharmacies has led to increased naloxone protocols and dispensing [21]. Training on naloxone counseling for community pharmacists resulted in a reduction in stigmatizing attitudes and an increase in pharmacist-reported confidence to appropriately identify, discuss, and dispense naloxone [22]. Pharmacist trainings should be created regarding FTS counseling similar to trainings regarding naloxone counseling in an effort to increase pharmacist comfort and confidence in FTS distribution. However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous. Two milligrams of fentanyl, or grains of table salt, can be lethal depending on a person’s body size, tolerance and past usage.
Can I Buy Fentanyl Online?
The question “can I buy fentanyl online?” raises significant ethical, legal, and health implications. Here are key points to consider:
Legal Considerations
In many countries, fentanyl is classified as a controlled substance. This means:
- Purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal.
- Online pharmacies may operate without legitimate licenses, posing legal risks.
- Law enforcement agencies monitor online drug sales, and engaging in illegal purchases can lead to severe consequences.
Health Risks
Buying fentanyl from unauthorized online sources significantly increases health risks due to:
- Unverified products that may contain harmful additives.
- Lack of medical guidance, potentially leading to misuse.
- Difficulty in determining dosage and purity, increasing the risk of overdose.
Finding Legitimate Options for Pain Management
If pain management is needed, consider the following legitimate options:
- Consult with a licensed healthcare provider.
- Explore alternative pain management therapies, such as physical therapy or counseling.
- Check with local pharmacies or hospitals for approved pain relief options.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I safely order fentanyl online with a prescription?
If you have a valid prescription, make sure to use verified online pharmacies that require a prescription and are licensed in your jurisdiction.
2. What should I do if I suspect someone is abusing fentanyl?
Seek immediate help from healthcare professionals or local authorities. Fentanyl abuse can lead to life-threatening situations that require urgent intervention.
3. Are there legal online pharmacies for purchasing fentanyl?
Yes, but they must be fully accredited and require a prescription from a healthcare provider. Always verify the pharmacy’s credentials before making any purchases.
Conclusion
The idea of purchasing fentanyl online can have serious implications. It is vital to approach this topic with caution, understanding the legal and health-related risks involved. Always prioritize safety and legality by consulting healthcare professionals for pain management solutions.
