Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are one of the most falsely reproduced items in the world and there is a new recurrence of fatal health issues linked to fake pain killers. These pain killers are round blue pills with an “M” on one side and “30” on the other to be disguised as 30mg oxycodone. The fatal ingredient inside these fake pills is fentanyl which is an opioid drug that is much stronger than opioids like morphine.
In Santa Cara County there have been 9 documented overdose deaths linked to these fake oxycodone pills since January of 2019. A statement on the issue was released by Santa Cara County that mentions the extent of circulation is unknown.
Fatal incidents related to the consumption of these fake pills have also been reported in Yakima, WA. A report was released by Yakima NBC on the serious matter with hopes to bring attention to the case.
Marty Brueggemann, the chief medical officer at Virginia Mason Memorial, says that this is not his first time hearing about drugs laced with fentanyl in the area. “The thing with fentanyl that makes it potentially dangerous is it’s incredibly potent and so it’s about 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, and that’s where we kinda get into trouble in some places.” said Brueggemann.
There have been statements that these laced drugs normally derive from production facilities in Mexico. This time, there has been no designated place of origin for these fake pills. Those involved with investigating the fatal laced pills are still working towards an answer to where these came from.
In the mean time, officials urge people to only purchase and accept any form of pharmaceuticals from a licensed medical professional through a licensed pharmacy.