One Pill Can Kill: What You Need to Know About Fake Prescription Pills

Did you know that just one fake pill could be deadly? Every year, thousands of people, many of them teens, lose their lives after taking pills they thought were safe. But the truth is, fake prescription pills are everywhere, and they often contain fentanyl, a powerful drug that can take seconds to kill. 

The Hidden Danger in Fake Pills 

Fake pills look just like real ones. They might be marked as Percocet, Xanax, or Adderall, but they’re made in secret labs without any safety checks. A study by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) found that 6 out of 10 fake pills tested contained a deadly dose of fentanyl (DEA, 2023). 

Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and just two milligrams—about the size of a few grains of salt—can be fatal (CDC, 2023). Since fake pills don’t have proper measurements, anyone taking one is gambling with their life. 

How Can You Stay Safe? 

• Never take pills that weren’t prescribed for you. Even one can be deadly. 

• Beware of social media drug sales. Dealers often target teens online, selling fake pills that look real. 

• Learn about Naloxone (Narcan). Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose(CDC, 2023). However, it does not address the long-term consequences of fentanyl exposure, and medical attention is still required after its use (SAMHSA, 2023). Overdoses can have lasting health impacts, even if Narcan is administered. Check with your school or local pharmacy to learn how to access it.  

• 
  

Fentanyl overdoses are now the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45 (CDC, 2023). Staying informed can save lives. One pill can kill—don’t take the risk. 

To learn more and help spread awareness, check out #Don'tRiskItAll at dontriskitall.com. Your Future Matters! 

Sources: 

• DEA. (2023). Fake Pills & Fentanyl Facts. Retrieved from DEA.gov 

• CDC. (2023). Drug Overdose Data. Retrieved from CDC.gov 

• SAMHSA. (2023). Naloxone and Overdose Prevention. Retrieved from SAMHSA.gov