Where Can I Buy Fentanyl Test Strips

Howard Center To Begin Distributing Fentanyl Test Kits

Understanding Fentanyl Test Strips

• With information from the test, a person can take steps to reduce their risk of an overdose.
• This also applies to pressed tablets, part of a tablet could contain fentanyl while another part has none.
• Fentanyl test strips are easy to use tests to see if your drugs have some types of fentanyl in them.
• Opioid prescribing by physicians decreased for the 13th consecutive year, but overdose deaths related to illicitly manufactured substances continue to increase.
• Common physical signs of WCS are episodic “breath-holding spells,” tense abdominal muscles, a firmly locked jaw, and stiff extremities.

Fentanyl test strips are an important harm reduction tool that can help individuals identify the presence of fentanyl in substances before consumption. As the opioid crisis continues to affect communities, these strips provide a way for users to take precautionary measures.

Heroin-related deaths have quadrupled since 2010, while prescription opioid deaths have increased only slightly [7, 8]. Since the widespread introduction of illicitly manufactured fentanyl into the drug supply in North America in 2013 [11], fentanyl-related deaths have sharply increased [8, 14]. In the United States (US), six states that publish data on fentanyl-related fatalities reported that the number of overdose deaths attributable to fentanyl increased by over 350% between 2013 and 2014, from 392 to over 1400 [15]. In British Columbia, Canada, fentanyl-related overdose deaths increased over 600% from 2014 to 2016, with fentanyl being detected in 67% of all overdose-related deaths in 2016 compared to 25% in 2014 [16]. Synthetic opioid overdose mortality among young adults has risen more than 300% in the USA since 2013, primarily due to the contamination of heroin and other drugs with illicitly manufactured fentanyl.

Future research is needed to determine if a higher level of concern about overdose will predict actual rapid test strip utilization or more consistent use patterns. Research is also needed to better understand the feasibility of using the rapid test strips among individuals who do not see themselves as at risk for fentanyl overdose, such as people who buy pills on the street or people who use cocaine. Additional studies are also needed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of using immunoassay tests on drugs directly and in real-world, non-clinical settings. More than 90% of participants reported willingness to use rapid test strips regardless of having ever overdosed, suggesting that rapid fentanyl testing is an acceptable harm reduction intervention among young people who use drugs in Rhode Island. Study follow-up is ongoing to determine whether, how, and under what circumstances participants used the rapid test strips and if a positive result contributed to changes in overdose risk behavior. The staggering increase in drug overdose deaths has been driven largely by the high prevalence of potent synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, in the U.S. drug supply.

In 2016, drug overdose deaths exceeded 64,000 in the United States, driven by a sixfold increase in deaths attributable to illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Rapid fentanyl test strips (FTS), used to detect fentanyl in illicit drugs, may help inform people who use drugs about their risk of fentanyl exposure prior to consumption. This qualitative study assessed perceptions of FTS among young adults. Future research is needed to determine if using fentanyl rapid testing strips will lead to desired behavioral changes outlined in the IMB model, such as obtaining naloxone and using drugs with others who can call an ambulance if an overdose occurs [36, 37]. A future manuscript will discuss follow-up data and whether knowledge of a drug being contaminated with fentanyl will encourage overdose risk reduction practices.

They can be used to sample street drugs like heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and illegally obtained prescription pills. The strips give those who use illegal drugs a way to determine if fentanyl is present in their drug supply and to help reduce the risk of an overdose. Please help keep our LGBTQ community safe by learning about fentanyl. Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, usually found in powdered form. Overdose can be avoided by having fentanyl test strips with you to help detect the presence of fentanyl in other drugs including cocaine, meth, heroin and other opioids.

Where Can I Buy Fentanyl Test Strips?

Or, by having Narcan with you, which can help to prevent a fatal overdose. In the US, where SIFs have not been legalized, FTS offer PWUD the option to test their own drugs in a private setting. Because evidence for distributing FTS for home use by PWUD is nascent, there are many uncertainties regarding the efficacy and the safety of FTS self-testing as a means of overdose prevention [34]. Preliminary research has found mixed results regarding the efficacy and acceptability of fentanyl self-testing as harm reduction strategy. A study performed in North Carolina among people who injected drugs found FTS were widely used among the sample and that a positive FTS resulted in changes in drug use behavior [35]. This conflicting evidence points to the fact that further research is needed to understand the ways in which FTS are viewed and used by PWUD.

But you can also use them to see whether a drug contains fentanyl in just a few minutes. A Booklet for FamiliesCreated for family members of people with alcohol abuse or drug abuse problems. Answers questions about substance abuse, its symptoms, different types of treatment, and recovery. Addresses concerns of children of parents with substance use/abuse problems. Trained information specialists answer calls, transfer callers to state services or other appropriate intake centers in their states, and connect them with local assistance and support. Contact your local drug store (national chains like CVS and Walgreens may be able to give out Naloxone without a prescription, but practices vary by store, and cost will depend on your insurance coverage).

When it comes to purchasing fentanyl test strips, there are several options available:

Naloxone will not cause harm if opioids are not involved in an overdose. It is important to call 911 for additional medical treatment, especially since the effects of xylazine may continue after naloxone is given. Routine testing for xylazine by the Oregon State Medical Examiner began in 2020. Since then, xylazine has been found in a small but increasing amount of overdose deaths in Oregon.

• Local Pharmacies: Many pharmacies stock fentanyl test strips, especially those that focus on harm reduction. It’s advisable to call ahead to confirm availability.
• Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon and specialized online pharmacies sell fentanyl test strips. When opting for online purchases, ensure that the seller is reputable and that the product is legitimate.
• Community Health Organizations: Many nonprofit organizations and harm reduction groups provide fentanyl test strips free of charge. Look for local resources in your area for access to these programs.
• A Needle Exchange Programs: These programs often distribute harm reduction supplies, including fentanyl test strips. Check their schedules and locations for availability.

How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips

Using fentanyl test strips is a straightforward process:

1. Prepare a small sample of the substance you wish to test.
2. Dissolve the sample in a small amount of water in a clean container.
3. Dip the test strip into the solution according to the instructions provided with the kit.
4. Wait for the designated time, typically a few minutes, and then read the results.

Why Use Fentanyl Test Strips?

Testing your substances for the presence of fentanyl can significantly reduce the risk of overdose. Here are some reasons why using these strips is beneficial:

• Informed Decisions: Knowing whether a substance contains fentanyl allows users to make safer choices regarding their use.
• Harm Reduction: Utilizing fentanyl test strips contributes to broader harm reduction strategies, helping to prevent overdoses and save lives.
• Empowerment: These strips empower individuals to take control of their drug use, enhancing safety and awareness.

FAQs About Fentanyl Test Strips

Q: Are fentanyl test strips legal?

A: Yes, fentanyl test strips are legal in most places, but it’s essential to check local regulations as laws can vary.

Q: How accurate are fentanyl test strips?

A: While fentanyl test strips can identify the presence of fentanyl, they may not detect all fentanyl analogs. Proper use increases reliability.

Q: Can I rely solely on fentanyl test strips for safety?

A: No, while they are a helpful tool, they should be part of a broader safety plan that includes awareness of safe usage practices and access to naloxone.

Conclusion

Knowing where can I buy fentanyl test strips is the first step toward using this life-saving tool responsibly. By purchasing them from local pharmacies, online retailers, or community organizations, individuals can take a proactive approach to their safety and health amidst the challenges posed by fentanyl and other substances.