Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses.
There are two types of fentanyl:
Pharmaceutical fentanyl
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl
Both are considered synthetic opioids. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, especially after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin 100 times stronger than morphine. However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive and more dangerous.
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is available on the drug market in different forms, including liquid and powder.
Powdered fentanyl looks just like many other drugs. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine and made into pills that are made to resemble other prescription opioids. Fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs are laced with fentanyl.
In its liquid form, IMF can be found in:
Nasal sprays
Eye drops
Dropped onto paper
Small candies
Fentanyl and overdoses
Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths. Even in small doses, it can be deadly. More than 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Drugs may contain deadly levels of fentanyl, and you wouldn’t be able to see it, taste it or smell it. It is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl unless you test them with fentanyl test strips. Even if the test is negative, test strips might not detect more potent fentanyl-like drugs.
Signs of overdose
Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose can save a life. Here are some things to look for:
Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
Falling asleep or losing consciousness
Slow, weak, or no breathing
Choking or gurgling sounds
Limp body
Cold and/or clammy skin
Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)
If you think someone is overdosing:
Administer naloxone if available; it is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose
Try to keep the person awake and breathing
Lay the person on their side to prevent choking
Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives
If you know or think someone is struggling with addiction, ask them if you can help. Your concern might be just what they need to start their recovery journey, and your support could make all the difference in their success.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
