Parent's Guide To Fake Pills: DEA Laboratory Testing Reveals that 6 out of 10 Fentanyl-Laced Fake Prescription Pills Now Contain a Potentially Lethal Dose of Fentanyl

This is an increase from the DEA’s previous announcement in 2021 that four out of ten fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills were found to contain a potentially lethal dose.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): The DEA Laboratory has found that, of the fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills analyzed in 2022, six out of ten now contain a  potentially lethal dose of fentanyl.

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This is an increase from the DEA’s previous announcement in 2021 that four out of ten fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills were found to contain a potentially lethal dose.

What Every Parent and Caregiver Needs to Know About Fake Pills

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Facts About Fake Pills

• Criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills and falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills to deceive the American public.

• Fake pills are easy to purchase, widely available, often contain fentanyl or methamphetamine, and can be deadly.

• Fake prescription pills are easily accessible and often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms, making them available to anyone with a smartphone, including minors.

• Many fake pills are made to look like prescription drugs such as oxycodone (Oxycontin®, Percocet®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), and alprazolam (Xanax®); or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall®).

Authentic Oxycodone

Synthetic opioid drugs prescribed for pain as OxyContin®, Tylox®, and Percodan®. These drugs are derived from one species of the poppy plant and have a high potential for abuse.

Fake Oxycodone

Authentic Alprazolam

Depressants that produce sedation, induce sleep, relieve anxiety, and prevent seizures. Available in prescription pills, syrup, and injectable preparation. Prescribed as  Valium®, Xanax®, Restoril®, Ativan®, Klonopin®

Fake Alprazolam

Street Names: Bars; Benzos; Bicycle Handle  Bars; Bicycle Parts; Bricks; Footballs; Handlebars; Hulk; Ladders;  Planks; School Bus; Sticks; Xanies; Yellow Boys; Zanbars; Zannies;  Z-Bars

Authentic Amphetamine

Prescription stimulants are used to treat Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Used as a  study aid, to stay awake, and to suppress appetites. Prescribed as  Adderall®, Concerta®, Dexedrine®, Focalin®, Metadate®, Methylin®,  Ritalin®.

Fake Amphetamine

Street Names: A-Train; Abby; Addy; Amps; Christmas  Trees; Co-Pilots; Lid Poppers; Smart Pills; Smarties; Study Buddies;  Study Skittles; Truck Drivers; Zing

The images of legitimate and fake pills are examples and do not represent the many variations of fake pills.  Never trust your own eyes to determine if a pill is legitimate. The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a  licensed pharmacist.