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Since then, law enforcement seizures of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl have grown dramatically in Oregon. The amount of seized fentanyl in Oregon’s high intensity drug trafficking areas (HIDTA) increased from 690 dosage units (counterfeit pills) in 2018 to more than 2 million in 2022. Fentanyl has now surpassed methamphetamine as the most frequent drug involved in overdose deaths in Oregon. If used correctly, fentanyl test strips can detect the presence of the most common types of fentanyl in street drugs and pills.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse and is available only through a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Is It Safe to Buy Fentanyl Online?
Will They Save My Loved One’s Life?
These patches are administered for pain relief after a surgical procedure or during the late stages of cancer. These patches are used for illicit purposes by dismantling them to extract the powder fentanyl available in each. The estimated street value for a fentanyl patch is between $75-$100.
Buying fentanyl online is not recommended, as it can be extremely dangerous and even fatal. Fentanyl is a highly potent drug that can cause respiratory depression, which can lead to unconsciousness and death. It is also easy to overdose on fentanyl, as it is much stronger than other opioids. Additionally, many online pharmacies that sell fentanyl are not legitimate and may sell counterfeit or contaminated drugs.
How to Buy Fentanyl Safely
Avoid An Overdose
If you have a legitimate prescription for fentanyl, it is important to follow these steps to ensure that you are buying it safely:
How To Reduce The Risk Of A Fentanyl 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. While pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed for severe pain and end of life care, non-pharmaceutical fentanyl is produced illicitly and is now common in the illicit drug supply. The presence of non-pharmaceutical fentanyl in New York City has dramatically increased the number of overdose deaths, and fentanyl is now the most common drug involved in overdose deaths. Investigations into drug overdoses have shown the difficulty in identifying whether drugs were commercially or illegally produced.
- Xylazine is increasingly added to other drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl to enhance the effect or increase street value.
- Naloxone can reverse a fentanyl overdose, although in some cases it may take more doses because fentanyl is so potent.
- Naloxone is an easy-to-use nasal spray that can help someone who is overdosing start breathing again.
- It has also been found in other drugs, like heroin, meth, cocaine, and pressed pills.
- Though less common for illicit users, fentanyl is manufactured into a nasal spray.
- According to the report, the street value of the 500 online transactions discovered by the Subcommittee in its investigation conservatively translates to around $766 million-worth of fentanyl.
- Check the pharmacy’s credentials: Make sure the pharmacy is licensed and accredited by the appropriate regulatory bodies. You can check this by visiting the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) website.
- Check the prescription: Make sure the prescription is written by a licensed healthcare provider and includes your name, the name of the drug, the dosage, and the quantity prescribed.
- Check the price: Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. Fentanyl is a highly regulated drug, and the price should be consistent with the market rate.
- Check the delivery: Make sure the delivery is secure and discreet. The package should be tamper-evident and should not include any identifying information.
He says most of the sites on the regular internet, which the Senate report focused on, are scams in which dealers will take money and fail to deliver. (The Senate investigators did not actually make any purchases.) Or, these so-called “clearnet” sites lead to arrests. He decided to seek out something that would be both safer and cheaper. For the past three years, he’s been buying fentanyl and its analogues, like carfentanil, online.
Alternatives to Buying Fentanyl Online
If you have a legitimate prescription for fentanyl, there are safer alternatives to buying it online. These include:
- Visiting a licensed pharmacy: You can fill your prescription at a licensed pharmacy in your area. This ensures that you are getting a legitimate and safe product.
- Using a reputable mail-order pharmacy: If you are unable to visit a pharmacy in person, you can use a reputable mail-order pharmacy. Make sure to check the pharmacy’s credentials and follow the steps outlined above to ensure that you are buying fentanyl safely.
- Consulting with your healthcare provider: If you are concerned about the safety of buying fentanyl, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you find alternative treatments or provide additional guidance on how to use fentanyl safely.
In conclusion, buying fentanyl online is not recommended due to the risks associated with this highly potent drug. If you have a legitimate prescription for fentanyl, it is important to follow the steps outlined above to ensure that you are buying it safely. If you have any concerns about the safety of buying fentanyl, consult with your healthcare provider for additional guidance.