In recent years, there has been a concerning rise in the circulation of fake M-30 pills, which pose serious health risks and are linked to the opioid crisis in the United States. Medical toxicology reports from one hospital found that the number of cases involving counterfeit M-30 pills rose from just three in 2017 to 209 in 2022. Of these, 81% of patients required hospital care and more than two-thirds of them spent time in the ICU.
Counterfeit M-30 pills, often referred to as “Mexican blues” or “blues,” are designed to look like prescription oxycodone pills, specifically the 30 mg dose marked with an “M” on one side and a “30” on the other. While many people believe they are buying and consuming legitimate oxycodone pills, this isn’t necessarily the case. Evidence shows that these pills can contain dangerous substances such as fentanyl.
Let’s explore what fake M-30 pills are, why they are dangerous, how to recognize them, and what to do if you suspect that someone is using them.
What Are M-30 Pills?
Legitimate M-30 pills are small, round, and blue tablets that contain oxycodone, a prescription opioid painkiller used to treat moderate to severe pain. These pills are often prescribed by doctors in 30 mg doses for patients dealing with chronic pain or pain after surgery. Oxycodone is a powerful opioid that should be taken exactly as prescribed due to its potential for misuse and addiction.
Fake M-30 pills, on the other hand, are counterfeit versions of prescription oxycodone pills. Criminal organizations manufacture these counterfeit pills to look identical to legitimate ones, using similar colors, shapes, and markings. However, instead of containing oxycodone, fake M-30 pills often contain fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than morphine.
Fentanyl is extremely dangerous because even tiny amounts can cause an overdose. In many cases, users who buy fake M-30 pills do not realize that they are taking fentanyl, which significantly increases the risk of overdose and death.
Why Are Fake M-30 Pills So Dangerous?
- Fentanyl potency. Fentanyl is far more potent than oxycodone, which makes even a small dose potentially fatal. The amount of fentanyl found in fake M-30 pills is often unpredictable, meaning one pill could cause an overdose. The only way to test for fentanyl is by using a test strip—it has no distinguishable taste, texture, or smell.
- Unregulated manufacturing. Counterfeit pills are not produced in controlled environments like real oxycodone pills are. The dosages and ingredients are often inconsistent. One batch might have far more fentanyl than another batch, leading to a higher risk of overdose.
- Addiction and misuse. People seeking pain relief or those experiencing an opioid use disorder may unknowingly buy these fake pills on the street, expecting them to be oxycodone. The presence of fentanyl increases the risk of overdose, particularly in people who don’t have a tolerance to it.
- Undetectable dangers. Fake M-30 pills are made to look identical to real prescription pills, so they are difficult to spot. Users may assume these pills are safe because they look legitimate, but the fentanyl in them makes them deadly.
How to Spot Counterfeit M-30 Pills
Identifying fake M-30 pills can be challenging because they are designed to closely mimic real prescription drugs. This is why you should always obtain medications legitimately through a licensed pharmacy. However, if you ever find yourself in a situation outside of this, here are some things to pay attention to.
First, fake M-30 pills may have slight variations in color, size, or texture. Real M-30 pills are consistent in appearance. Suspicious packaging is a second red flag, as real prescription pills come in pharmacy-approved packaging, complete with clear labeling and dosage information. Lastly, pills that come in unmarked bags or in non-pharmacy containers should be treated with caution.
The Dangers of Taking Fake M-30 Pills
The primary danger of fake M-30 pills is the high risk of fentanyl overdose, which can happen quickly and without any warning. People often go to lay down and aren’t found until it’s too late. However, by recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose, having naloxone on hand, and not using substances alone can help prevent fatal overdoses.
The dangers of ingesting counterfeit M-30 pills include:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Slow or stopped breathing
- Pinpoint pupils
- Loss of consciousness
- Blue or grayish skin
If you suspect that someone is experiencing an overdose on a fake M-30 pill, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and buy time until emergency personnel arrive. If you or someone you know uses opioids, carrying naloxone can save lives. You can get naloxone over the counter at pharmacies in Pennsylvania without a prescription. Most insurance plans cover this medication as well. Learn more about obtaining naloxone in PA.
Protecting You and Others from Counterfeit Pills
The safest way to avoid counterfeit pills is to never buy medications from street dealers or unverified sources. Always get your medications from a licensed pharmacy. Spread awareness about the dangers of fake M-30 pills, as many people are unaware of how dangerous they can be. Young adults, in particular, might assume they’re taking a copycat of oxycodone, when in reality, they’re ingesting fentanyl.
For those that do choose to experiment with various substances, fentanyl test strips are an easy and affordable way to check if a substance contains fentanyl. While they are not foolproof, they can help prevent accidental overdoses. And, if you or someone you know is experiencing an opioid use disorder, reach out for help. There are resources available to help people recover from opioid use disorder, including medication-assisted treatment and counseling.
Get Help for Opioid Use Disorder in Easton, PA
While anyone who obtains oxycodone without a prescription can come into contact with counterfeit M-30 pills, their use is most common in individuals with opioid use disorder. As these people seek out ways to get high and avoid distressing withdrawal symptoms, they often turn to other sources. Unfortunately, with the amount of fentanyl going into our drug supply, there’s a very high risk of coming into contact with this substance.
The better option is to seek professional treatment and break the cycle of opioid use. Recovery Cove has a comprehensive program that offers individual and group therapy, family counseling, medication management, holistic practices, and more. Contact us today at 484-549-COVE to learn more about programs.
