Fentanyl is a man-made opioid that is almost 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. There are two types of fentanyl:

  • Legally prescribed by doctors as medicine to treat pain, such as after surgery or advanced cancer.
  • Illegally mixed or laced with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine (meth) pills that look like medicine.

People may not know that illegal fentanyl is in their drugs, which can lead to overdose. You can get fentanyl test strips to see if fentanyl is present in other drugs. Illegal fentanyl is causing high rates of overdose deaths in San Francisco and across the United States.

You can prevent fentanyl overdose with two nasal spray medications: Narcan (naloxone) or Opvee (nalmefene).

Narcan (naloxone)

If you or your loved ones use street drugs, it is important to have and know how to use Narcan (also known as naloxone). It can stop an opioid overdose long enough for you to get help. Learn more about Narcan here.

You can buy Narcan over the counter or get as a prescription. To get a free nasal naloxone kit and training and/or up to 10 fentanyl test strips, visit:

Community Behavioral Health Services Pharmacy
1st floor at 1380 Howard St
San Francisco, CA 94103
M-F 9am-6:30pm
Sat-Sun 9am–12pm and 1pm-4:30pm.

Watch this video to learn how to use Narcan.

Opvee (nalmefene)

Opvee is a new medication that can stop an opioid overdose. Learn more about Opvee here.

You can now get Opvee as a prescription.

Ask your PCP about overdose prevention and learn more at the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

How SFHP can help

If you’re an SFHP member, you have access to resources that can help you manage your prescriptions safely, understand more about medications like fentanyl, and get support if you need it.

Here are some options:

  • 24/7 Behavioral Health Access Center (BHAC): If you feel you need help with alcohol or drug use, you can call the helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1(888) 246-3333 toll-free or 711 (TTY). You do not need a referral.
  • 24/7 SFHP Nurse Advice Line: If you have questions or concerns about medications or your health, you can speak to a nurse at any time. Call 1(877) 977-3397 or 711 (TTY).
  • Behavioral and Mental Health Services: If you or a loved one needs help with addiction, your primary care provider* (PCP) can offer a screening and brief counseling.
  • Health education: Learn more about managing chronic pain with a fact sheet.
  • Naloxone Access: Medi-Cal covers naloxone. If you do not have a prescription, you can still ask for the medication at a pharmacy. The pharmacist or your provider can teach you how to use it.
  • Pharmacy Services: Get help from your providers on how to use your medications safely.

*Your primary care provider (PCP) is your main doctor or healthcare provider who helps you stay healthy and handles your care.

More Help from SFHP

  • Customer Service: If you need help or have questions, call SFHP Customer Service at 1(415) 547-7800, 1(800) 288-5555 (toll-free), or 711 (TTY), Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm.
  • Interpreter Services: You can get an interpreter in-person or by phone for your health visits. When you make an appointment, ask for an interpreter at the same time.
  • Need a Ride? SFHP can help you get transportation to any medical appointment covered by Medi-Cal. Ask your provider or call Customer Service.
  • Interested in Medi-Cal Benefits? See if you or your family can get Medi-Cal through SFHP.

Learn more about your covered Medi-Cal benefits and services.