Episode 09: Counterfeit Drugs - An American Nightmare … with Dr. Ruby Javed
This is what feels like the most important episode of LTSG to date.
While my previous and future episodes are meant to open a discussion around the end of life, a reality we will all face sooner or later, THIS episode actually has the potential to save lives.
So, if you are listening to this today and if you happen to work in marketing, PR, for a newspaper, radio or in a school or university and would like to help to get this message out, please do get in touch with me. You can email me at podcast@learningtosaygoodbye.com
Today I am sitting down with Dr. Ruby Javed, who is the Chief Forensic Toxicologist at the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner. Dr. Ruby has a stellar career with over 17 years of experience in drug-related science in both the private and public sectors.
Not only is she a powerhouse at a job that most people would find hard to stomach, but she lives with an incredible passion and zest for life. We are both mothers and in that capacity today’s subject is very close to our hearts.
Ruby Javed, Ph.D
Chief, Forensic Sciences Laboratories Division at the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner
Dr. Ruby has over 17 years of experience in drug-related science in both the private and public sectors. She has served as an analyst at National Medical Services Labs.; the Chief Forensic Toxicologist/Lab Manager II at the State of Delaware Office of Medical Examiner-Coroner; Senior Scientist at Psychemedics Corporation; and currently the Chief of the Forensic Sciences Laboratories Division at the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner. Dr. Ruby has also served as a private Forensic Toxicology consultant and expert for detailed opinion reports and testimony. She has been a member of several different forensic science organizations such as the Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) and has numerous publications and presentations under her belt. Find out more.
Links and Resources for this episode:
Song for Charlie
Song for Charlie is a family-run nonprofit charity dedicated to raising awareness about ‘fentapills’ — fake pills made of fentanyl.
After the sudden loss of their son Charlie, Ed and Mary Ternan created Song for Charlie with one goal: to bring awareness to counterfeit prescription pills being sold online targeting young people. With your help, we can spread the word and save lives.
Growing up in our fast-paced world is stressful. Song for Charlie is a family-run, nonprofit charity that encourages young people to choose healthy coping strategies over self-medication. We empower students to learn and share knowledge by providing research tools and promoting peer-to-peer learning programs. Find out more
May 10 is National Fentanyl Awareness Day
On May 10, we are raising public awareness about the growing fentanyl public health crisis. People are dying at alarming rates due to illegally made fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid. Get the facts and share them widely. Find out more
This is a lethal dose of Fentanyl
CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
What is fentanyl?
Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is prescribed in the form of transdermal patches or lozenges and can be diverted for misuse and abuse in the United States.
However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the U.S. are linked to illegally made fentanyl. It is sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine as a combination product—with or without the user’s knowledge—to increase its euphoric effects. Find out more
DEA - United States Drug Enforcement Administration
Facts about counterfeit pills
Criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills and falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills to deceive the American public.
Counterfeit pills are easy to purchase, widely available, often contain fentanyl or methamphetamine, and can be deadly.
Fake prescription pills are easily accessible and often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms, making them available to anyone with a smartphone, including minors.
Many counterfeit pills are made to look like prescription opioids such as oxycodone (Oxycontin®, Percocet®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), and alprazolam (Xanax®); or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall®).
