CU Anschutz Medical Campus
A harm-reduction organization in Vancouver is helping people addicted to opioids buy pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl at street prices as an alternative to the illicit drug supply—a first in North America. Fentanyl may cause serious harm or death if used accidentally by a child or by an adult who has not been prescribed the medication. Even partially used fentanyl may contain enough medication to cause serious harm or death to children or other adults. Dispose of partially used lozenges according to the manufacturer’s directions immediately after you remove them from your mouth.
If you are using substances alone, there are resources to keep you safe. 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. Fatal side effects can occur if you use this medicine with alcohol, or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.
Introduction
Xylazine can be life-threatening and is especially dangerous when combined with opioids like fentanyl. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills that are made to resemble other prescription opioids. Fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs are laced with fentanyl. When healthcare providers, patients and others work together to support these efforts everyone benefits. Each strategy helps reduce the likelihood of an individual becoming dependent on opioids and reduces the overall access and availability of medication in the community. These strategies work together along with other efforts like education and awareness, coalition building, prescription drug monitoring program and law enforcement.
In addition, some dealers intentionally add deadly amounts to some pills because the death of a user is like an advertisement that that dealer has really strong drugs. Fentanyl comes as a lozenge on a handle (Actiq), a sublingual (underneath the tongue) tablet (Abstral), a film (Onsolis), and a buccal (between the gum and cheek) tablet (Fentora) to dissolve in the mouth. Fentanyl is used as needed to treat breakthrough pain but not more often than four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Staying at the scene of an overdose is important to help save the life of the person experiencing an overdose. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for individuals who witness an overdose and call 911 or their local emergency number for help.
While you are waiting for medical help to arrive, you can use your naloxone kit to temporarily reverse the effects of the overdose. If you walk into a space and find someone who has overdosed on fentanyl it is certainly safe to evaluate them, call 911 for help, administer naloxone and even do CPR. While you should avoid intentionally touching any unidentified powder and then touch your mouth or nose, you do not need to hesitate when trying to save the life of someone who has overdosed. It is a common misconception that fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin, but it is not true for casual exposure. You can’t overdose on fentanyl by touching a doorknob or dollar bill. The one case in which fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin is with a special doctor-prescribed fentanyl skin patch, and even then, it takes hours of exposure.
Do not eat or drink anything until the tablet has completely dissolved. Despite its relatively short half-life of two to four hours, fentanyl remains detectable for a significantly longer period. Fentanyl is detectable in urine tests for up to 24 hours, in saliva tests for up to four days, in blood tests for up to 12 hours and in hair follicle tests for up to 90 days following use. So long as all of these conditions are met, the individual in possession of their fentanyl prescription will not face any legal exposure. A representative admitted, however, that searches for fentanyl could return results. “It does happen that sellers and buyer create new ways to make deals on our site, but Weiku is not able to discover this right away.” The firm said it did weekly inspections.
The question of can I buy fentanyl without a prescription raises serious legal and health concerns. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is prescribed for severe pain management but is also associated with a high risk of overdose and addiction.
Discuss these options with your health care professional to determine if they will work for you. One of the deadliest street drugs, illicit fentanyl, has transitioned from a hidden killer that people often hope to avoid to one that many drug users now seek out on its own. Unlike injection drug users, she was abusing her doctor-prescribed fentanyl patches. Prescription fentanyl has been around for years, intended for chronic severe pain, trauma and cancer patients.
Understanding Fentanyl
Fentanyl is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Its high potency makes it effective in treating pain, particularly in patients with chronic severe pain or those recovering from surgery. However, its misuse has led to severe health crises.
Legal Status of Fentanyl
In many countries, including the United States, buying fentanyl without a prescription is illegal. The drug is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means:
- It has a high potential for abuse.
- It can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
- It is available only through a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl Without a Prescription
Attempting to purchase fentanyl without a prescription can have serious implications, both legally and health-wise:
- Legal consequences: Buying or possessing fentanyl without a prescription can result in criminal charges, fines, or imprisonment.
- Health risks: Unregulated access to fentanyl increases the risk of overdose, especially if the source is not reputable.
- Potential for addiction: Without medical supervision, misuse can quickly lead to addiction and dependency.
Alternatives for Pain Management
If you are in pain and considering fentanyl, consult a healthcare professional for guidance. There are various alternatives to manage pain effectively:
- According to the DEA, 2 milligrams of fentanyl is generally considereda lethal dose for most people.
- Add in the increase of mental health issues in children and teens in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, substance use and overdose rates in children and teens are rising.
- An overdose occurs when a drug produces serious adverse effects and life-threatening symptoms.
- That being said, those fighting substance use disorders who are willing to take the potentially fatal risks that come with consuming illicit pills can reduce their chances of overdosing by using FTS.
- Illicitly-manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is driving much of the increase in overdoses seen in Minnesota and nationally in recent years.
- Non-opioid pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Physical therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Other prescription opioids with lower potency
FAQs
Can I buy fentanyl legally for personal use?
No, purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and highly discouraged.
Why is fentanyl so dangerous?
Fentanyl is very potent, and even a small amount can lead to overdose and death, especially when used improperly.
What should I do if I am struggling with pain management?
Consult with a healthcare provider about your pain management options. They can help you find a safe and effective treatment plan.
In conclusion, the answer to the question can I buy fentanyl without a prescription is a resounding no. The legal, health, and ethical implications of attempting to obtain this drug illicitly far outweigh any perceived benefits.
