Within this post you will find drug facts concerning the prevalence of fake pills–specifically as it relates to Fentanyl, the new increase in Xylazine, and concerning shortage of Adderall. In addition, we have posted numerous sources from the United Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
As a coalition, our priority is to educate our community on what these drugs are and where they are being found, to raise awareness on the prevalence and dangers, and to raise awareness on the availability of Narcan (also called Naloxone).
About Fake Pills:
- Criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills and falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills to deceive the American public.
- Fake pills are easy to purchase, widely available, often contain fentanyl or methamphetamine, and can be deadly.
- Fake prescription pills are easily accessible and often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms, making them available to anyone with a smartphone, including minors.
- Many fake pills are made to look like prescription drugs such as oxycodone (Oxycontin®, Percocet®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), and alprazolam (Xanax®); or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall®).
Resource for parents: What Every Parent and Caregiver Needs to Know About FAKE PILLS
Learn more: DEA, One Pill Can Kill
Fentanyl:
“the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered”
“Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic.”
“DEA laboratory testing reveals that 6 out of 10 fentanyl-laces prescription pills now contain a potentially lethal dose of Fentanyl.”
“According to the CDC, 107,375 people in the United States died of drug overdoses and drug poisonings in the 12-month period ending in January 2022. A staggering 67 percent of those deaths involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Some of these deaths were attributed to fentanyl mixed with other illicit drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin, with many users unaware they were actually taking fentanyl. Only two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a potentially lethal dose; it’s particularly dangerous for someone who does not have a tolerance to opioids.”
Learn more: DEA, Fentanyl / DEA, Fentanyl Awareness
Xylazine:
“Xylazine is FDA-approved for use in animals as a sedative and pain reliever. Xylazine is not safe for use in humans and may result in serious and life-threatening side effects that appear to be similar to those commonly associated with opioid use, making it difficult to distinguish opioid overdoses from xylazine exposure. Because xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone (Narcan) does not reverse its effects. Still, experts always recommend administering naloxone if someone might be suffering a drug poisoning.”
Learn more: DEA, DEA Reports Widespread Threat of Fentanyl Mixed with Xylazine, March 30, 2023
Adderall shortage:
“Amphetamine mixed salts, including Adderall, are FDA-approved for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Until supply is restored, there are alternative therapies including the extended-release version of amphetamine mixed salts available to health care professionals and their patients for amphetamine mixed salts’ approved indications. Patients should work with their health care professionals to determine their best treatment option.”
Learn more: FDA, FDA Announces Shortage of Adderall, October 12, 2022
Narcan®:
A life saving medication to reverse the effects of opioids.
“NARCAN® is a potentially lifesaving medication designed to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in minutes. Since most opioid overdoses occur in the home and are most often witnessed, having a NARCAN® rescue kit nearby can make all the difference.
If someone you know takes opioids or prescription opioids, such as oxycodone or hydrocodone for pain, be prepared for a possible life-threatening opioid overdose emergency. Please see Indication and Important Safety Information below.”
Narcan® is available at the pharmacy counter.