Fentanyl
and Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS)
The Facts about Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. There are two types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl, which doctors prescribe to treat severe pain, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effects. Most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdoses in Marin County have been linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl. This illegal form of fentanyl comes in various forms, including liquid and powder.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fentanyl
Why is fentanyl dangerous?
Illicit fentanyl is added to other drugs to make them cheaper, more powerful, and more addictive. Illicit fentanyl looks just like many other drugs, and it is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. It’s found in “party drugs” like MDMA, “study drugs” like fake Adderall, and counterfeit pills that look like legitimate prescription drugs, including Xanax and Oxy. Fake prescription pills can contain deadly levels of fentanyl, and you wouldn’t be able to see it, taste it, or smell it.
Can naloxone nasal spray reverse a fentanyl overdose?
Yes! Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, and naloxone can reverse an overdose from all opioids.
Can you overdose if you accidentally touch fentanyl?
No, that is a myth. You cannot overdose simply by touching fentanyl. It must be introduced into the bloodstream or a mucus membrane for someone to feel the effects. While there are prescription fentanyl patches that can be placed on the skin for pain management, this is not the formulation that’s cut into other substances.
How can you lower the risk of a fentanyl overdose?
- Use fentanyl test strips to know if fentanyl is in your drugs
- Keep naloxone readily available on you and at home
- Avoid mixing drugs
- Don’t rely on a previous source or experience
- Never use drugs alone
- Ask for help if you’re ready for substance use treatment
Content Sources
Can you identify the fake prescription pill?
Drugs may contain deadly levels of fentanyl, and you cannot see it, taste it, or smell it. It is not possible to tell if drugs have been mixed with fentanyl unless they are tested.
*These images of legitimate and counterfeit pills are examples and do not represent the many variations of counterfeit pills.
Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS)
Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are a low-cost harm reduction tool that can be used to prevent overdoses in combination with other strategies. FTS are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in different kinds of drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, etc.) and drug forms (pills, powder, and injectables).
Where to get FTS in Marin County
For Individuals and Families
FTS are available via vending machines, naloxboxes, and partner distribution sites across Marin County.
For Schools and Non-profit Organizations
Eligible organizations can order larger quantities of FTS through the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP).
For Private Businesses
Companies seeking FTS for employees or patrons of their business can order larger quantities of FTS on the Dostest website.
How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips*
* FTS may not work in all cases
- FTS do not differentiate between fentanyl and fentanyl analogs and may not identify the presence of some analogs (e.g., alfentanil or carfentanil).
- FTS may not work as well in the presence of large amounts of methamphetamine, MDMA, or diphenhydramine.
- FTS can’t tell you how much fentanyl is in a sample, just if the sample contains fentanyl.
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