Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) – The United States issued an alert to American citizens for the sale of medications in Mexican pharmacies contaminated with fentanyl and methamphetamine.
In the alert, it asks its citizens to be careful when buying medicines in Mexico, both over-the-counter and those that require a prescription, and to consult the Centers for Disease Control page, as well as the Cofepris website, to know controlled substances in Mexico.
After the discovery of counterfeit drugs in the US-Mexico border area was disclosed, the State Department asserted that these are common and may be ineffective, have the wrong concentration, or contain dangerous ingredients.
They added that, according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration, the sale of counterfeit pills is common on both sides of the border, and that even pills like OxyContin, Percocet, Xanax, and others can contain lethal doses of fentanyl.
According to US authorities, counterfeit pills are easily advertised on social media and can be purchased at small, non-chain pharmacies in Mexico, along the border, and in tourist areas.
The State Department mentioned that pharmaceuticals that require a prescription in the United States are usually available in Mexican stores for purchase with little regulation.
However, they reminded US citizens that if they travel to Mexico for medication, they must carry a copy of their prescription or doctor’s letter with them at all times.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug that is highly potent and effective at relieving pain. However, it is also highly addictive and can be deadly in certain circumstances. Here are some reasons why fentanyl can be deadly:
- Overdose: Fentanyl is extremely potent, and even a small amount can cause an overdose. This is because it can depress the central nervous system and cause respiratory depression, which can lead to a person’s breathing to slow or stop.
- Addiction: Fentanyl is highly addictive, and individuals who become addicted to the drug may take increasingly higher doses to achieve the desired effect. This can lead to overdose, which can be fatal.
- Mixing with other substances: Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, which can increase the risk of overdose and death.
- Illicit manufacturing: Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is often more potent than pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl, which can increase the risk of overdose and death.
- Improper use: Fentanyl patches and lozenges are designed for slow, controlled release over a period of time. However, some individuals may abuse these medications by crushing, snorting, or injecting them, which can lead to a dangerous and potentially fatal overdose.
It is important to remember that fentanyl can be a useful medication when used as prescribed and under the guidance of a medical professional. However, the misuse or abuse of fentanyl can be extremely dangerous and can lead to serious health consequences, including death.
