- Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov.
- Due to the risk of respiratory depression, DURAGESIC isonly indicated for use in patients who are already opioid-tolerant.
- After a patch is used it may still contain residual levels of the drug.
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid pain medication that is often prescribed to patients with severe pain, such as those with cancer. It is available in various forms, including transdermal patches that deliver a steady dose of the drug through the skin. Because of its potency, fentanyl is a highly regulated drug, and obtaining it requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Side Effects
Is It Legal to Buy Fentanyl Patches Online?
No, it is not legal to buy fentanyl patches online without a valid prescription. Online pharmacies that claim to sell fentanyl patches without a prescription are operating illegally and may be selling counterfeit or contaminated drugs. It is essential to obtain fentanyl patches from a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription from a healthcare provider.
What Are the Risks of Buying Fentanyl Patches Online?
What Should I Avoid While Using Fentanyl?
But they learned how simple it was to buy these powerful opioids online and how brash the sellers were. It may be hard to tell whether a person is high or experiencing an overdose. If you aren’t sure, treat it like an overdose—you could save a life. Find out how fentanyl treats severe pain and how to take or use it. If you are going to need surgery, an MRI, CT scan, or other procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication.
There are several risks associated with buying fentanyl patches online, including:
Fentanyl is in a class of medications called narcotic (opiate) analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. 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.
Fentanyl (Transdermal Route)
- Counterfeit drugs: Online pharmacies that sell fentanyl patches without a prescription may be selling counterfeit drugs that contain dangerous substances or are not effective.
- Contaminated drugs: Illegally obtained fentanyl patches may be contaminated with other substances, such as bacteria, mold, or other drugs.
- Overdose: Fentanyl is a highly potent drug, and taking too much can lead to overdose and death. Obtaining fentanyl patches from an illegal source increases the risk of taking too much of the drug.
- Legal consequences: Purchasing fentanyl patches online without a prescription is illegal and can result in legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
How to Obtain Fentanyl Patches Legally
With any substance, the supply matches the demand, and as fentanyl continues to be demanded by those who use it illicitly, it will continue to be present in underground and illegal markets worldwide. Until recently, fentanyl was mostly only a problem on the East Coast. But related overdose deaths increased in Washington in the past two years. 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.
To obtain fentanyl patches legally, follow these steps:
- Consult with a licensed healthcare provider to determine if fentanyl patches are appropriate for your medical condition.
- If your healthcare provider prescribes fentanyl patches, they will provide you with a prescription that you can take to a licensed pharmacy.
- Fill your prescription at a licensed pharmacy, and follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the pharmacist.
If you don’t have naloxone on hand during an opioid overdose, rescue breaths are essential. Oftentimes, people who use drugs may not be aware that fentanyl is in the substances they are using. It is identified through lab testing or more conveniently fentanyl test strips which are available to the public in Minnesota. From a community and clinical practice standpoint, there is an urgent need to address the structural and attitudinal barriers for patient access to life-saving medications for opioid use disorder [42]. Our interviews suggest that participants may have even more pessimistic attitudes toward their prospects of quitting NPF. No prior studies on heroin to NPF transitions conducted in the eastern part of the country have identified changes in the route of opioid administration that were described by our study participants.
It is essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when using fentanyl patches. Misuse of this medication can lead to serious side effects, including addiction, overdose, and death.
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. Your doctor will give you more information about the program and how to get your medication and will answer any questions you have about the program and your treatment with fentanyl. If you still have pain after using one lozenge or tablet, your doctor may tell you to use a second lozenge or tablet. You may use the second lozenge (Actiq) 15 minutes after you finish the first lozenge, or use the second tablet (Abstral, Fentora) 30 minutes after you started using the first tablet.
Conclusion
Fentanyl patches are a powerful pain medication that requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. It is illegal and dangerous to buy fentanyl patches online without a prescription. To obtain fentanyl patches legally, consult with a healthcare provider and fill your prescription at a licensed pharmacy. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when using this medication to avoid serious side effects.
