What Are the Different Forms of Fentanyl?

Illicit Fentanyl & Pharmaceutical Fentanyl

Fentanyl is available in both illicit and pharmaceutical forms. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a prescription drug that is used to manage severe pain, such as after surgery or for cancer patients. It is available in various forms such as patches, lozenges, and injectable solutions. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is tightly regulated and only available with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Fentanyl, on the other hand, is a synthetic drug that is manufactured in illegal labs and sold on the black market. Illicit fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine to increase their potency. It is often sold as pills, powders, or in liquid form, and it can be extremely dangerous because the potency and quality of the drug can vary widely. Illicit fentanyl is responsible for a significant portion of opioid-related deaths in many countries, including the United States and Canada.

Regardless of whether fentanyl is obtained through legitimate medical channels or through the black market, it is a highly addictive drug with serious potential health consequences.

Fentanyl Can Come in Several Forms

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is available in several different forms, including pharmaceutical and illicit forms.

Pharmaceutical fentanyl is available in the following forms:

Patches — These patches are applied to the skin and slowly release fentanyl into the bloodstream over a period of time.

Lozenges —  Fentanyl lozenges are placed in the mouth and allowed to dissolve slowly.

Tablets — Fentanyl tablets are available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations. These tablets are typically taken orally.

Injectable solutions —– Fentanyl is also available in injectable solutions that are used in medical settings for pain management.

Nasal sprays — Fentanyl nasal sprays are used to manage breakthrough pain in cancer patients and are administered through the nostrils.

Illicit fentanyl —– can also come in a variety of forms that are manufactured in illegal labs and sold on the black market. Some common forms of illicit fentanyl include:

Powders —  Illicit fentanyl powders are typically white or off-white in color and are often mixed with other substances such as heroin, cocaine, or benzodiazepines.

Pills —  Illicit fentanyl pills can be made to look like prescription drugs such as oxycodone or Xanax, but they often contain much higher doses of fentanyl.

Liquids — Illicit fentanyl liquids are sometimes added to other drugs or consumed on their own.

Transdermal Patches

Transdermal patches are a common form of pharmaceutical fentanyl. These patches are designed to slowly release fentanyl through the skin and into the bloodstream over a period of time, typically lasting anywhere from 48 to 72 hours. They are used to manage chronic pain in patients who require continuous opioid therapy. Transdermal patches provide a constant and steady flow of the drug, which can help reduce the risk of side effects such as nausea and dizziness that may occur with other forms of fentanyl. However, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully when using transdermal patches, as improper use can lead to overdose or other serious health complications.

Tablets & Pills

Fentanyl tablets and pills are another form of the drug that can be found both legally through a prescription, and illegally on the black market. These forms of fentanyl are typically taken orally and come in immediate-release and extended-release formulations. Immediate-release fentanyl tablets are designed to provide quick relief of pain, while extended-release tablets are designed to release fentanyl slowly over a longer period of time.

Lozenges

Fentanyl lozenges are a form of pharmaceutical fentanyl that are designed to provide relief from breakthrough pain in cancer patients who are already taking opioids for pain management. They are placed in the mouth and allowed to dissolve slowly, delivering fentanyl to the bloodstream through the mucous membranes.

Nasal Sprays

Fentanyl nasal sprays are a form of pharmaceutical fentanyl that is used to manage breakthrough for patients. They are administered through the nostrils and are designed to deliver fentanyl to the bloodstream through the nasal mucosa. Illicit fentanyl nasal sprays have also been found on the black market. These sprays may be mixed with other drugs or contain much higher doses of fentanyl than is safe for human consumption. Illicit fentanyl nasal sprays can be extremely dangerous and should never be used.

Powder

Fentanyl powder is a form of the drug that is often found on the black market. It can be white or off-white in color and is typically mixed with other substances such as heroin, cocaine, or benzodiazepines to increase their potency. Illicit fentanyl powder can be consumed in a variety of ways, such as by snorting, smoking, or injecting.

Liquid

This form may be clear or colored and can be mixed with other substances such as heroin or cocaine to increase their potency. Illicit fentanyl liquid can be consumed by injecting it, mixing it with other drugs, or by adding it to other substances such as blotter paper, candies, or vape liquids.

Lollipop

They are called “Actiq” and are a berry-flavored lollipop that contains fentanyl in a lozenge-like form on a stick. The patient holds the lollipop in their mouth and allows the medication to dissolve slowly.