Why Is Fentanyl Putting People At Such A High Risk For Overdose?
A program has been set up for each fentanyl product to decrease the risk of using the medication. Your doctor will need to enroll in the program in order to prescribe fentanyl and you will need to have your prescription filled at a pharmacy that is enrolled in the program. As part of the program, your doctor will talk with you about the risks and benefits of using fentanyl and about how to safely use, store, and dispose of the medication. After you talk with your doctor, you will sign a form acknowledging that you understand the risks of using fentanyl and that you will follow your doctor’s instructions to use the medication safely.
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Regulation
This leads some people to use opioids more and more, a cycle that can lead to opioid use disorder. Opioid use disorder occurs when opioid use interferes with daily life. This may include challenges at home, at work, at school, or in relationships. Taking too many opioids at one time can cause a person to stop breathing and die. Opioids are a class of drugs that alleviate pain and may produce a pleasurable effect on the brain and body. A health care professional may prescribe them as part of a treatment plan following an injury or surgery.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is primarily used in medical settings for pain management. Due to its potency, fentanyl is classified as a controlled substance in many countries, including the United States.
If your agency is providing free fentanyl test strips, let us know. Use the map below to find an organization or vending machine offering free fentanyl test strips near you or view a spreadsheet of all the locations (Excel). Cancer pain doesn’t affect all people with cancer, but for those who do have pain it can be controlled with medicines and other therapies. Fentanyl is a prescription drug which can come with many short and long term side effects.
Can You Buy Fentanyl Over the Counter?
Potency relates the purity of all pharmacologically active constituents. This initiative was established as a comprehensive effort examining various drug materials and drug forms, in both qualitative and quantitative fashions. The information and results reported herein represent a subset of the drug supply and not its entirety. Fentanyl test strips are easy to use tests to see if your drugs have some types of fentanyl in them.
If you or a loved one uses illicit drugs, take steps to prevent a fentanyl overdose. Carry, use, and share fentanyl test strips, which can save lives. It can be purchased from a pharmacy (even without a prescription) or may be distributed by different organizations within your community. Fentanyl should only be prescribed by doctors who are experienced in treating pain in cancer patients. This medication should not be used to treat pain other than chronic cancer pain, especially short-term pain such as migraines or other headaches, pain from an injury, or pain after a medical or dental procedure. Fentanyl may cause serious breathing problems or death if it is used by people who are not being treated with other narcotic medications or who are not tolerant to narcotic medications.
To use, place unused medication in bag and fill halfway with warm tap water; wait 30 seconds, seal tightly, gently shake bag, and dispose in normal trash can. Fentanyl Test Strips are for anyone who is using unregulated drugs and need to determine if fentanyl is present. The test strips can also be obtained by anyone who is using drugs, family members, or friends.
The straightforward answer to the question, can you buy fentanyl over the counter, is no. Fentanyl is not available for over-the-counter purchase due to its high potential for addiction, abuse, and overdose.
Since 1999, more than 750,000 deaths have been attributed to an opioid-induced overdose [2]. In the following two decades, four distinct waves of opioid overdose deaths have occurred. In the first wave, increased access to prescription opioids was the primary cause of new overdose related deaths. The second wave, beginning in 2010, was characterized by a rapid increase in deaths due to heroin overdoses. The third wave began in 2013, at which point Fentanyl became a leading cause of overdose deaths [3].
Why Is Fentanyl Controlled?
Fentanyl is about 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, which poses significant risks. Here are some of the reasons for its strict regulation:
- High risk of overdose: Even a small dose can lead to respiratory failure and death.
- Potential for abuse: Fentanyl can create a euphoric effect, which can lead to addiction.
- Illicit manufacturing: There has been an increase in illegally produced fentanyl, contributing to the opioid crisis.
- Medical necessity: It is essential for treating severe pain, often in terminal illnesses or recovery from major surgery.
Legal Access to Fentanyl
To obtain fentanyl legally, a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is required. Here’s how the process works:
- Consultation with a healthcare provider: Discuss your pain management needs.
- Prescription: If deemed necessary, the provider will write a prescription.
- Pharmacy dispensing: Take the prescription to a licensed pharmacy to obtain the medication.
Alternatives to Fentanyl
If fentanyl is not an option due to its risks or unavailability, there are several alternatives for pain management:
- Other opioids: Medications like oxycodone or hydrocodone can be prescribed.
- Non-opioid medications: NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be effective.
- Physical therapy: For chronic pain, physical therapy could alleviate discomfort.
- Alternative treatments: Acupuncture and chiropractic care may also help manage pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if you take fentanyl without medical supervision?
Taking fentanyl without a prescription can lead to serious health risks, including overdose and death. It is crucial to only use opioids as directed by a healthcare professional.
2. Why is there a rise in fentanyl-related overdoses?
The increase in overdoses is primarily due to illicit fentanyl being mixed with other drugs, often without users’ knowledge, leading to unintentional overdoses.
- CPNP members are also available to provide workshops and Q and A sessions via Zoom, and when Covid safety conditions permit, in-person at both HSC and UPC campuses.
- Teens often buy a few potent pills of fentanyl and overdose even on their first use.
- Berkeley Lovelace Jr. is a health and medical reporter for NBC News.
- Discuss these options with your health care professional to determine if they will work for you.
- Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl, equal to 10 to15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose.
- In 2014, the Pennsylvania Department of Health released a standing order, which allows anyone to visit a pharmacy and receive Naloxone without a prescription.
3. Are there any safe ways to use fentanyl?
The safest way to use fentanyl is through a prescription and under medical supervision. Proper dosing and monitoring are essential to minimize risks.
4. What should I do if I suspect someone has overdosed on fentanyl?
If you suspect an overdose, call emergency services immediately. Administering naloxone (Narcan) can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
In conclusion, the answer to can you buy fentanyl over the counter is a clear no. Fentanyl is a highly regulated substance due to its significant risks and potential for abuse. Always seek professional medical advice for pain management and treatment options.
