April 28, 2023Drug FactsTyler Collins
One of the most popular prescription pain relievers being counterfeited right now is Percocet. Percocet is a brand name of a drug that combines active ingredients oxycodone (opioid) and acetaminophen (antipyretic and analgesic). It also has generic versions also referred to as oxycodone-acetaminophen or Oxycodone/APAP.
This prescription opioid affects the central nervous system, which can cause you to feel pleasure, relaxation, and euphoria. Because of this, many people use Percocet as a recreational drug to get high. When you take Percocet pills regularly without prescription, this can quickly lead to increased tolerance for the drug and has the potential for abuse.
Like other opioid drugs, Percocet is used to treat moderate to severe pain. But because of the opioid crisis, it has become more difficult for people addicted to opioids to get their hands on controlled substances. People who are desperate to get their fix then try to source their drugs elsewhere like online or on the streets.
The danger, however, is that they are also at risk of getting fake medications that were manufactured illegally without following any guidelines or procedures. This could result in adverse health effects.
But, how do you know if the Percocet you’re buying is real or fake? What does a real Percocet look like? And what are the dangers of taking counterfeit Percocet pills?
What Does Percocet Look Like?
Percocet pills look like white, round pills but they can also look like yellow, oval pills.
However, since there are other formulations and different generic versions, these pills can also come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. A generic Percocet could be a white, yellow, or blue pill in different shapes.
Percocet that looks like a round, white pill has a strength of 325 mg of acetaminophen and 5 mg of oxycodone hydrochloride.
On one side it has a “PERCOCET” imprint and on the other side you can see “DuPont” imprinted on the pill.
The yellow version of Percocet has a strength of 325 mg of acetaminophen and 10 mg of oxycodone hydrochloride.
This pill is elliptical or oval in shape. It has an imprint of “PERCOCET” on one side and “10/325” on the other side.
Are You Buying Fake Opioids? Dangers Of Counterfeit Percocet
Just because a pill does not resemble the branded Oxycodone/APAP drug, this does not necessarily mean that it’s fake. But because of this, many illegal drug manufacturers selling fake prescription drugs often get away with selling them. Some manufacturers will give the excuse that it is a generic version when in reality, the drug does not even contain oxycodone hydrochloride.
Instead, these fake drugs contain harmful ingredients that could lead to dangerous consequences. What is scarier, however, is that many fake drugs now resemble the real thing. This can confuse consumers thinking that they are taking the actual drug.
Fake drugs are an enormous problem in the United States.The Drug Enforcement Administration or DEA reported a significant increase in counterfeit pills of painkillers and sedatives. The pills, that are usually supplied by Mexican cartels or sourced from China, are causing an increase in fatal overdoses and deaths.
According to the DEA, these dangerous substances contain the potent synthetic opioid drug fentanyl. A dose as small as one grain of sand is enough to send someone into respiratory failure and cause death within minutes. Fentanyl is 100x more potent than morphine and is often mixed to fake drugs to heighten its effects.
All across the country, there have been warnings about the existence of these fake drugs. In Nevada, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has warned the public about counterfeit Percocet being sold locally in 2020. According to the warning, the tablets were also found to contain lethal fentanyl.
In January 2021, health officials in Philadelphia warned about fake painkillers being sold in the state. These fake drugs caused fatal overdoses and when they were tested, they were not Percocet or OxyContin. Instead, the drugs contain fentanyl.
Taking fake Percocet can be extremely dangerous. In 2017, the Georgia North-Central Health District emergency department reported six opioid overdoses and one death. The patients experienced loss of consciousness and respiratory depression. According to the report, two of the patients were believed to have taken one tablet of Percocet bought from the streets without a prescription.
In November 2019, the Washington Post reported the story of a woman who died in Montgomery County after taking fake Percocet. According to police reports, the woman only took a single tablet that apparently contained fentanyl.
How Do You Avoid Buying Fake Percocet?
If you’re looking to buy painkillers, you must have a proper prescription for it. t is important that you purchase it from a legitimate pharmacy. Avoid buying from suspicious websites because they may be selling counterfeit medications. These sites mimic popular brands like Percocet and Oxycontin but instead deliver dangerous substances that can cause serious health problems or even death.
If the price seems too good to be true or if there are no reviews from customers, then it’s likely a scam site trying to rip off unsuspecting people who need their medication for chronic pain relief.
If you or one of your family members is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.
Contact Lighthouse Treatment Center today.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Preet Joneja PsyD and the clinical team at Lighthouse Treatment Center
Preet Joneja is the Clinical Director at Lighthouse Treatment Center based in Anaheim, California. She is a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with individuals suffering from mental and emotional disorders.
Related Topics:
Fake Percocet Alert: What Does Percocet Look Like?
What Is Percocet? 5 Alarming Side Effects of Percocet Abuse
Percocet Withdrawal and Detox
Are opioids dangerous?
How Good People End Up Addicted to Opioids
Sources:
News 4-Fox 11 Digital Team. (2020, March 13). Counterfeit Percocet pills containing Fentanyl sold locally. KRNV. https://mynews4.com/news/local/counterfeit-percocet-pills-containing-fentanyl-sold-locally
DEA Reports Significant Increase in Counterfeit Pills in Minnesota. (2020, August 12). DEA. https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2020/08/12/dea-reports-significant-increase-counterfeit-pills-minnesota
Whelan, A. (2021, January 23). As overdoses rise, Philly health officials warn about ‘pressed pills’ — fake painkillers laced with fentanyl. https://www.inquirer.com. https://www.inquirer.com/health/opioid-addiction/pressed-pills-philadelphia-fentanyl-overdose-crisis-20210123.html
Edison, L. J., Erickson, A., Smith, S. M., Lopez, G., Hon, S., King, A. J., Nydam, N., Jp, O., & Drenzek, C. (2017b). Notes from the Field: Counterfeit Percocet–Related Overdose Cluster — Georgia, June 2017. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 66(41), 1119–1120. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6641a6
Medical Disclaimer:
The Lighthouse Treatment Center strives to enhance the well-being of individuals dealing with mental health disorders or substance use through accurate information about health conditions, treatment options, and their effects.
Our content is created with extensive research, citations, editing, and reviews. However, it is important to note that our information is not a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is recommended that you seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
