Last Updated: July 28, 2022

#TestIt Alert: Round light blue pill sold in Philadelphia, PA as oxycodone (A 215) but actually contains para-fluorofentanyl, fluoro-4-ANPP, fluoro-phenethyl-4-ANPP, fentanyl, gabapentin, and acetaminophen. 

A round light blue pill with “A” over “215” separated by a break line was sold in Philadelphia, PA as oxycodone A 215 but actually contains para-fluorofentanyl, fluoro-4-ANPP, fluoro-phenethyl-4-ANPP, fentanyl, gabapentin, and acetaminophen. The sample was submitted from Philadelphia, PA. 

The sample was tested using GC/MS and LC-QTOF-MS technology. 

These misrepresented A 215 pills have been appearing increasingly in the Philadelphia supply, sold as oxy. They have been reported to “not taste right” when snorted. 

Para-fluorofentanyl, fluoro-4-ANPP, and fluoro-phenethyl-4-ANPP are examples of fentanyl analogues or manufacturing intermediates. 4-ANPP often shows up as an impurity. 

Gabapentin is a structural analogue of GABA, the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter (chemical). This means that its effects are depressant-like in nature, reducing signaling in the brain. Gabapentin is frequently prescribed as a muscle relaxant, pain reliever, and anxiety medication. Although gabapentin’s effects are comparable to a mild benzodiazepine high, they tend to drop off fairly quickly, making its recreational value lower. As with many other depressants, chronic long-term use can lead to physical dependence (withdrawal or tolerance), and combining with other substances that depress CNS activity may have fatal consequences. 

Fentanyl is an opioid that is active in minute quantities (1-2mg can cause a fatal overdose), which has made it a nationally-recognized contributor to the opioid crisis due to its concentrated (and often accidental) presence in pills and powders. It is popularly believed that fentanyl and its analogs are fatal when in contact with bare skin; this is a myth that has been repeatedly dispelled through scientific channels. If you suspect that someone is overdosing on an opioid, you are not at risk of intoxication simply by touching them  or breathing the same air as them. Fentanyl and its analogs are absorbed through mucous membranes – an added layer of protection can be achieved by washing your hands after administering CPR on a person who has overdosed. Skin absorption would require very large quantities of fentanyl to be in contact with the dermis for prolonged periods of time, or direct contact with a wound. 

Since fentanyl is typically (if not always) distributed unevenly throughout a sample, it is essential to use proper dilution techniques to dissolve the whole sample in water when testing it with a fentanyl test strip (this does not destroy the sample – after the test, the water can be left to evaporate out over a few days, leaving powder again). Symptoms of opioid overdose include slowed or stopped breathing and heart rate, blue-tinged extremities, loss of consciousness, and often vomiting. If you suspect that a person has overdosed on an opioid, call 911, administer Narcan whenever available, and place the person in the recovery position (if they are still breathing) to prevent asphyxiation on vomit. If a person is not breathing, perform CPR. 

The illicit market for pharmaceutical substances rarely produces pharmaceutical-grade products, meaning that substances like stimulants, opioids, and benzodiazepines are extremely prone to high levels of misrepresentation if purchased from any source that is not a pharmacist. Research chemicals and other unexpectedly powerful or toxic drugs are often substituted for drugs like amphetamine and alprazolam. When purchasing pharmaceuticals on the illicit market, testing is of exceptionally paramount importance.

We urge our community to keep in mind that drug markets are expansive and that this adulterated oxycodone may appear in places other than its source and submission location. Using a reagent test kit can help provide a first line of defense as a presumptive (and not affirmative) process. Additionally, samples may be sent in to www.drugsdata.org for in-depth laboratory testing. Test before you ingest to avoid taking misrepresented substances, and so you can adjust your intention, set, and setting appropriately to minimize risks. You can purchase fentanyl strips here.

The purpose of #TestIt Alerts is to alert the public to misrepresented substances circulating in their region. We neither condemn nor condone drug use, but rather want people to be aware of what they are ingesting so they can take steps to minimize risks.

Since 1998, DanceSafe has been keeping the electronic music and nightlife communities safe. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide free harm reduction services at music festivals and nightlife events across the nation. All proceeds from the sales of our drug checking kits go back into the organization so we can continue to provide our services to our communities for free. By purchasing a kit, you are not only helping keep you and your friends safe, you are also contributing to the harm reduction movement. Thank you for your support!