What Is The Blues Drug? Dangers Of Counterfeit Oxycodone

What Is The Blues Drug?

Blues is a street name for oxycodone, which is a prescription drug used to relieve moderate and severe pain. It is a type of commonly abused prescription painkiller that is highly addictive and frequently abused. The pills are stamped with an “M” logo on one end and the number 30 imprinted on the other. Counterfeit versions of oxycodone medication contain illegally manufactured fentanyl, which is a synthetic opioid prescribed for severe pain.

Fentanyl is more potent and deadlier than oxycodone. These fake M30s are made with a pill press and include fentanyl. The pills are sold by many drug dealers as genuine Oxycodone pills to unsuspecting buyers, fueling the nation’s opioid crisis.

Other Blues Drug Slang

Some people may use street names or slang terms when referring to oxycodone. These can vary regionally, and it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with the misuse of prescription drugs. Some common street names for oxycodone may include:

Why Are Counterfeit Blues So Deadly?

The opioid epidemic has resulted in numerous fatalities, and oxycodone, when sold illicitly on the drug market under various names to downplay its potency or risks, can be particularly lethal. In recent years, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has uncovered numerous counterfeit pills that have contributed to the rise in overdose deaths.

The emergence of counterfeit pills has become a significant issue, driven in part by the high costs of buying from legitimate pharmacies. Some individuals opt to purchase prescription drugs illegally as a means of saving money, while others, lacking a legitimate prescription for substances like pain medication, resort to self-medicating through illicit drug purchases.

In those instances, those engaging in recreational drug use may pay for a prescription medication like oxycodone, believing it to be a safer alternative to substances like heroin. Unfortunately, this is far from true, especially with the influx of counterfeit pills into the market.

Here are some key factors contributing to the danger of counterfeit oxycodone:

1. Fentanyl Content: Many counterfeit oxycodone pills are illicitly manufactured and may contain varying, and often unpredictable, amounts of fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than oxycodone and other traditional opioids. Even a tiny amount of fentanyl can lead to overdose and death.
2. Lack of Quality Control: Counterfeit drugs are often produced in clandestine labs without quality control measures. This means there is a high degree of variability in the composition and dosage of these counterfeit pills. Users cannot be sure of the actual ingredients or strength of the medication they are taking, increasing the risk of overdose.
3. Inexperience of Users: Individuals purchasing counterfeit drugs may be unaware of the dangers associated with these substances. People accustomed to a specific dosage of oxycodone may inadvertently ingest a much more potent substance when consuming counterfeit pills, leading to an overdose.
4. Street Distribution: Counterfeit drugs, including fake oxycodone, are distributed through illegal channels by street-level drug dealers. These dealers may not be aware of the exact composition of the pills they are selling, further increasing the risks for the end-users.
5. Combination with Other Substances: Counterfeit drugs may be adulterated with other dangerous substances, such as stimulants or other opioids. The combination of different drugs can have unpredictable and potentially lethal effects.
6. Delayed or Rapid Release of the Drug: Counterfeit pills may have inconsistent release mechanisms, leading to either delayed or rapid release of the drug in the body. This can contribute to unpredictable and dangerous effects, increasing the risk of overdose.
7. Difficulty in Distinguishing Counterfeits: Counterfeit oxycodone pills often closely resemble legitimate pharmaceuticals, making it challenging for users to identify fake medications visually. This increases the likelihood of individuals unknowingly consuming counterfeit drugs.

Individuals must obtain medications only from legitimate sources with valid prescriptions and be aware of the risks associated with counterfeit drugs. If there are concerns about the authenticity of a medication, seeking advice from healthcare professionals or pharmacists is essential.

Learn More:

• Oxycodone Vs Oxycontin. What Is The Difference And Similarities?
• Oxycodone Side Effects, Uses, Interactions, Addiction Facts
• Does Oxycodone Make You Sleepy? Oxycodone Effects On Sleep
• Oxycodone Dosage, Side Effects, Uses, Overdose, & Addiction
• How Long Does Oxycodone Take To Work? Timeline and Factors.
• Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, and Detox
• Tramadol Vs Oxycodone, Comparison Of Side Effects & Efficacy
• Dilaudid Vs Oxycodone, Which Is Better For Pain Management?
• Morphine Vs Oxycodone, Is Morphine Stronger Than Oxycodone?

Side Effects Of Blues

Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic commonly prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain. Like any medication, oxycodone can have side effects. Side effects can vary from person to person, and not everyone will experience them. Additionally, misuse or abuse of oxycodone can lead to more severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. Here are some common side effects associated with oxycodone:

1. Common Side Effects:
   • Constipation.
   • Nausea.
   • Vomiting.
   • Dizziness or lightheadedness.
   • Drowsiness.
   • Headache.
2. Less Common Side Effects:
   • Itching or rash.
   • Dry mouth.
   • Sweating.
   • Mood changes (e.g., anxiety, agitation).
   • Loss of appetite.
3. Serious Side Effects (Seek Immediate Medical Attention):
   • Shallow or slow breathing.
   • Severe drowsiness or difficulty waking up.
   • Confusion.
   • Seizures.
   • Severe constipation may lead to bowel obstruction.
   • Signs of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

Origins Of The Blues Drug

The blues drug, commonly known as M30, refers to a 30mg oxycodone pill distinguished by its distinctive blue color. Identified by the “M” imprint on one side and “30” on the other, these pills are frequently found in illicit markets. A concerning reality is the striking resemblance of many counterfeit pills to these 30mg oxycodone tablets. Illicitly produced by drug traffickers, these fraudulent pills often contain fentanyl, significantly heightening their lethality.

Counterfeit pills, often originating from countries like China and Mexico, are widespread across the United States. Lack of quality control measures means these pills may harbor fatal doses of fentanyl or other hazardous substances, posing life-threatening risks. Online sales, facilitated through internet marketplaces and social media, serve as primary channels for distributing these counterfeit medications.

Another alarming trend involves high school and college students obtaining Adderall and Xanax from dark web drug markets or through social media referrals. These drugs, purportedly tainted with fentanyl or methamphetamine, also pose substantial dangers to the health and well-being of young individuals.

The U.S. opioid epidemic traces back to the 1990s, marked by a sharp increase in opioid prescriptions. This crisis persisted as those addicted to opioids turned to heroin due to its affordability and accessibility. The most recent phase of this crisis revolves around the proliferation of counterfeit pills.

Illicitly produced in clandestine laboratories, these fake pills primarily contain fentanyl and are crafted to mimic legally prescribed opioids for pain relief or anxiety management, such as OxyContin, Xanax, or Percocet. Street-level drug dealers distribute these fake pills, falsely marketing them as genuine pharmaceuticals. Moreover, the online black market has streamlined the sale and distribution of these counterfeit pills via mail. Importantly, no evidence indicates the infiltration of fake pills into the legitimate prescription supply chain.