During the Fentanyl Town Hall on July 11, a Q&A session took place. These are some of the questions that were sent in by the public. More are incoming, to be answered by the panel members. Learn more about resources offered on the Drug & Alcohol Misuse Prevention page.
Fentanyl must have direct contact with mucus membranes in order to cause an overdose. Eastern Idaho Public Health recommends using proper protective equipment when responding to a known or suspected drug overdose and washing your hands with soap and warm water afterwards.
To learn more about fentanyl, visit the IDHW Fentanyl Page.
Naloxone is a temporary opioid overdose reversal agent. Naloxone is effective for approximately 30-60 minutes. If Naloxone wears off before the opioids have metabolized, the individual may resume overdosing.
Naloxone is a medication that temporarily reverses an opioid overdose. Narcan is the brand name of the 4mg intranasal naloxone.
To learn more about Naloxone, visit the NIDA Naloxone Page.
Yes. The Center for Hope (located at 530 E. Anderson St. in Idaho Falls) offers free Naloxone to community members. Also, individuals with Idaho Medicaid can receive free Naloxone at pharmacies.
Fentanyl is a potent, synthetic opioid that can be prescribed by a medical provider and is often used to treat patients with severe pain. Fentanyl can also be illicitly manufactured. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is more commonly found in the illegal drug supply than prescription fentanyl.
Fentanyl received/prescribed from a medical provider must follow strict manufacturing regulations, whereas illicitly manufactured fentanyl is made in clandestine labs.
To learn more about fentanyl, visit the IDHW Fentanyl Page.
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has reported fentanyl used in vape pens.
For more information, read this official PDF publication by the DEA.
- Educate yourself and your family about fentanyl
- Carry naloxone
Resources:
- Visit the EIPH Drug Overdose Prevention page
- Learn about the One Pill Can Kill campaign by the DEA
Eastern Idaho Public Health offers free prescription medication prevention and intervention courses to schools (these courses are called 3rd Millennium Classrooms). EIPH also offers free Drug Impairment Training for Education Professionals and free naloxone trainings. To schedule a training, please contact Mallory Johnson at mjohnson@eiph.idaho.gov