Can A Simple Fentanyl Test Curb San Francisco’s Overdose Crisis?
Understanding Fentanyl and Online Purchases
Fentanyl is a painkiller invented in the 1960’s and used to relieve the agony of advanced cancer. But today fentanyl can be ordered on the internet, by drug dealers and addicts, for an online overdose. As we first reported in April, tracking the source of this illicit trade is a story that begins with James Rauh. Like most in Akron, Ohio, he’d never heard of fentanyl until the police told him his son was dead.
Pharmacists are already engaged in harm reduction behaviors at their pharmacies. A survey of Rhode Island practitioners found that pharmacists felt it was their role to provide equipment and advice to injection drug users to prevent the spread of infections [18]. Additionally, a survey of North Carolina pharmacists indicated that pharmacists already engage in harm reduction strategies like selling non-prescription syringes, dispense naloxone, and occasionally test for HIV and HCV [19]. Overwhelmingly, pharmacists in this sample are willing to add FTS sales to this list of harm reduction strategies, with two pharmacies already partnering with a local syringe service program to offer FTS. Although pharmacists are interested in selling FTS, logistical barriers such as store-level policies and lack of time to educate pharmacists may limit the sale of FTS in community pharmacies [20]. Community pharmacies are easily accessible and could offer a solution to improve access to syringe service programs and reduce risk behaviors among people who use drugs, if given the proper support by leadership [21].
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often used for pain management in medical settings. However, its potency also makes it a target for misuse and illegal trafficking. As people seek solutions for various ailments, many wonder, “can I buy fentanyl online?”
The Risks of Buying Fentanyl Online
- Many people who have experienced child abuse, assault, war, natural disasters, or other traumatic events turn to alcohol or drugs to help cope with emotional pain, sleep disturbances, intrusive memories, anxiety, or terror.
- Thousands of doses can be shipped together in small, hidden packages.
- This method of ingestion is effective in providing quick pain relief to patients.
- We suggest calling ahead to confirm inventory and in the case of pharmacy access, request information about co-pay.
As agency personnel have been working to combat this epidemic, one thing has become very clear – law enforcement can’t arrest their way out of the problem. An informed public, willing partners and engaged treatment and prevention community are also vital to combating the problem. In 2016, nearly 30 years later, more than 20,000 Americans were killed by fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, and that number continues to rise. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. According to Drug Enforcement Administration estimates, one kilogram of fentanyl can produce 1 million to 1.5 million pill dosage units.
Naloxone temporarily knocks the opioids out of the opioid receptors in the brain, this will trigger normal breathing. However, depending on how much opioids the person has in their system, they could experience a second potentially fatal overdose because the naloxone wears off in about minutes. For this reason, we recommend the individual seek medical attention to ensure they are in the company of someone with additional naloxone in case a second overdose occurs. It’s also important for the person experiencing an overdose not to take any more drugs or alcohol within (at least) a three hour period. If you are unable to seek medical assistance, and can not stay with the person yourself, ensure they are in the company of an individual who is aware of the situation and has more naloxone.
Congress passed its first major opioids legislation and funding in late 2016 but hasn’t done much since to follow up. And so far, the Trump administration’s response to the opioid crisis — a regular talking point for the president on the campaign trail — has been severely lacking in those other, arguably more pressing areas. But as Lopez has detailed time and again, cracking down on supply — as the Portman bill would — doesn’t do anything to address demand or treatment, which many experts name as the bigger issues.
Buying fentanyl or any prescription medication over the internet raises numerous concerns, including:
- Legality: In many countries, purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal.
- Quality Assurance: Medications bought online may not meet safety standards, leading to potential health risks.
- Risk of Addiction: Fentanyl is highly addictive, and misuse can lead to severe health complications.
- Scams: There are many fraudulent websites that sell counterfeit drugs.
Because there is no official oversight or quality control, these counterfeit pills often contain lethal doses of fentanyl, with none of the promised drug. Illegally manufactured fentanyl is fueling the increase in drug overdoses in the U.S. 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”).
The report recommends that all international packages start to include what they call “advanced electronic data”—special information on bar codes that could help flag drug-bearing packages for postal workers. Fentanyl use can increase your risk of overdose, especially if you do not regularly use opioids. Anyone who uses drugs that may contain fentanyl, even occasionally, may be at risk of overdose. Xylazine use can lead to unresponsiveness, forgetfulness or memory loss, dangerously low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and reduced breathing. Xylazine can also cause wounds and may lead to life-threatening infections that can cause conditions like endocarditis and sepsis. These wounds have been reported from injecting, smoking, and snorting xylazine, and they can develop quickly.
Where to Avoid
If you are considering the question, “can I buy fentanyl online?”, it is crucial to recognize places to avoid:
- Unregulated Websites: Sites that do not require a prescription or provide vague terms and conditions.
- Social Media Platforms: Avoid transactions arranged through personal accounts or classified ads.
- Foreign Pharmacies: Purchasing from international sources may expose you to inferior products.
Safe Alternatives
If you need medication, consider these safe alternatives:
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: Always speak with a doctor for appropriate prescriptions.
- Insurance Providers: Check with your insurance to find covered options.
- Pharmacies: Purchase medications from licensed local or online pharmacies that require prescriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it possible to buy fentanyl online legally?
A1: Generally, purchasing fentanyl online is only legal with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Q2: What are the consequences of buying fentanyl illegally?
A2: Illegal purchases can lead to legal action, health risks from counterfeit drugs, and potential addiction.
Q3: How can I identify a legitimate online pharmacy?
A3: Look for pharmacies that require prescriptions, have licensed pharmacists available for consultation, and are accredited by regulatory bodies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question “can I buy fentanyl online?” prompts concerns that extend beyond convenience and accessibility. The risks associated with purchasing fentanyl online far outweigh potential benefits, emphasizing the importance of seeking medical guidance and adhering to safe purchasing practices.
