Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is significantly more potent than heroin and morphine. It's a major cause of fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) comes in various forms, including liquid and powder, and it's often mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Fentanyl-laced drugs are highly dangerous, and many people may be unaware of their presence.
Recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose can save a life. Look for small, constricted "pinpoint" pupils, falling asleep or losing consciousness, slow, weak, or no breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, limp body, and cold, clammy, and/or discolored skin. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately, administer naloxone if available, try to keep the person awake and breathing, lay them on their side to prevent choking, and stay with them until emergency workers arrive.
Naloxone is a safe medication that can save lives in the event of an opioid overdose. It is available in all 50 states and can be purchased over-the-counter in most. Naloxone works by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain, and it can quickly reverse an overdose. If you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose, it is important to have naloxone on hand.
Drug testing strips provide an affordable and accessible method to detect the presence of fentanyl, a potent and potentially deadly synthetic opioid, in illicit drugs, thereby reducing the risk of overdose. These strips, which yield results within minutes, serve as a vital safety measure, potentially averting fatal consequences associated with fentanyl-laced substances.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is a major contributor to fatal overdoses in the U.S. Its potency, up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, makes it extremely dangerous. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl, available in various forms, is often mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, making it difficult to detect. Even small doses can be deadly. Recognizing overdose signs and carrying naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, is crucial.