Common Brand(S): Duragesic
Fentanyl patches are a powerful pain medication used to treat severe chronic pain. They contain a potent opioid called fentanyl, which is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Due to their potency, fentanyl patches are classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means they are highly regulated and can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
The Risks of Buying Fentanyl Patches Online
Patient Information For Duragesic
Despite the regulations surrounding fentanyl patches, some people may be tempted to buy them online without a prescription. However, this is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. Here are some of the risks associated with buying fentanyl patches online:
Many of the opioid pills and powders sold on the street are fake. They often contain fentanyl in potentially deadly amounts but are mislabeled as other opioids. The DEA sampled tablets seized nationwide between January and March 2019. It found 27 percent contained potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. Being aware if fentanyl is present allows people to implement appropriate harm reduction strategies to reduce the risk of an overdose.
Flushing Drugs And The Water Supply
- Counterfeit products: The internet is filled with fake medications, including fentanyl patches. These counterfeit products may contain incorrect dosages, impure ingredients, or no fentanyl at all. Using these products can lead to serious health risks, including overdose and death.
- Lack of medical oversight: When you obtain fentanyl patches through a legitimate prescription, you are under the care of a licensed healthcare provider who can monitor your dosage and ensure you are using the medication safely. Buying fentanyl patches online means you are bypassing this medical oversight, which can lead to dangerous consequences.
- Criminal charges: Buying fentanyl patches online without a prescription is illegal and can result in criminal charges, including fines and imprisonment.
Our inpatient hospital environment provides a drug-free space and the 24/7 support of our medical staff. We provide an easy transition from detox to inpatient rehab, as our detox programs are located inside our inpatient rehab facilities. We also offer numerous outpatient programs across MA and RI for those who wish to transition to some form of outpatient care.
In future research, it is critical to include urine toxicology analyses to identify specific fentanyl analogs and other novel synthetic drug exposures [14, 24]. The interviews were conducted via Zoom, and this might have limited our access to individuals who have less confidence in using online resources. On the other hand, our experiences suggest that videoconferencing platforms provide a novel and efficient format to engage PWUO in research. With a few exceptions, most of our participants had current or prior histories of heroin use.
- Below are some ways to reduce the risk of exposure and safely dispose of these patches – and what to do if a child is exposed to a fentanyl patch.
- In the 1960s, Janssen Pharmaceutica (now part of Johnson & Johnson) created fentanyl – 50 times more potent than heroin and shorter acting, so it had really good use, they believed, for surgery.
- Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children.
- Yet, while reduced, there are still open drug markets on Chinese websites.
- Dealers will often use simple binding agents and a small amount of fentanyl when making counterfeit opioid pills or what they say is heroin, according to law enforcement.
How to Safely Obtain Fentanyl Patches
Enforcement
If you are experiencing severe chronic pain and believe fentanyl patches may be a suitable treatment option, it is important to follow the proper protocol for obtaining them. Here are the steps you should take:
- Consult with a licensed healthcare provider: Discuss your symptoms and medical history with a healthcare provider who can determine if fentanyl patches are appropriate for your condition.
- Obtain a legitimate prescription: If your healthcare provider determines that fentanyl patches are appropriate, they will provide you with a legitimate prescription that can be filled at a licensed pharmacy.
- Fill your prescription at a licensed pharmacy: Only fill your prescription at a licensed pharmacy that is authorized to dispense controlled substances. This ensures that you are receiving a legitimate product that has been stored and handled properly.
Overestimating the DURAGESIC dose when converting patientsfrom another opioid product can result in fatal overdose with the first dose. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratorydepression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used asrecommended. Respiratory depression from opioid use, if not immediatelyrecognized and treated, may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Management ofrespiratory depression may include close observation, supportive measures, anduse of opioid antagonists, depending on the patient’s clinical status [see OVERDOSAGE].
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to buy fentanyl patches online without a prescription, this is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. To obtain fentanyl patches safely, follow the proper protocol for obtaining a legitimate prescription and filling it at a licensed pharmacy.