JAMA Netw Open

Are users of fentanyl test strips more likely to engage in other OD risk reduction behaviors?

May 15, 2025

Study details: This multisite, observational cohort study, conducted from May to December 2023, involved 732 participants from Kentucky, New York, and Ohio who reported recent use of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, or nonprescribed opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants. The study aimed to determine the association between baseline fentanyl test strip (FTS) use and overdose risk reduction behaviors over a 28-day follow-up period.

Results: Among participants, 414 reported baseline FTS use. Adjusted analyses revealed that FTS users had a mean daily composite score for overdose risk reduction behaviors that was 0.86 units higher than nonusers (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34-1.38). However, there wasn’t a significant difference in self-reported nonfatal overdoses between FTS users and nonusers (risk ratio, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.70-2.06).

Clinical impact: The findings suggest that FTS use is associated with increased engagement in harm reduction strategies, although it doesn’t significantly impact the incidence of nonfatal overdoses. FTS has the potential to be used as a valuable tool in comprehensive harm reduction programs aimed at reducing overdose risks among people who use drugs.

Source:

Vickers-Smith RA, et al. (2025, May 1). JAMA Netw Open. Fentanyl Test Strip Use and Overdose Risk Reduction Behaviors Among People Who Use Drugs. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40358945/