Health authorities are raising alarms over the increasing presence of carfentanil, a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than fentanyl and has been linked to hundreds of overdose deaths across the United States, the Daily Mail reports.
According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), carfentanil, which is typically used to tranquilize large animals like elephants, is now being found in illicit drug supplies and is contributing to a rise in drug overdose fatalities.
Between January 2021 and June 2024, there were 513 confirmed overdose cases involving carfentanil, with states such as Florida and West Virginia reporting the highest numbers. While the overall number of deaths remains relatively low, health officials are concerned about the sharp increase in cases, which has risen seven-fold in the past year. This worrying trend threatens to undo recent progress in reducing drug overdose deaths nationwide.
Carfentanil, which is available in various forms such as powder, paper, tablet, patch, and spray, can be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. It is often mixed with other illegal drugs like xylazine or counterfeit pills to enhance potency. Just two milligrams of carfentanil—about one-fiftieth of a pinch of salt—can be fatal, causing severe respiratory depression and brain damage.
The drug, which was originally synthesized in 1974 to treat large mammals, acts on the same brain systems as opioids like heroin and oxycodone. It has become increasingly common in illegal drug markets, especially as prescription opioids and counterfeit pills have grown in popularity in recent years.
In 2021, a major seizure of 21 kilograms of carfentanil in Southern California highlighted the drug’s spread. The CDC also noted that the illegal manufacture of fentanyl and its derivatives, including carfentanil, is a major driver of the overdose epidemic. In fact, seven out of ten drug overdose deaths in the US in 2023 involved fentanyl or one of its derivatives.
The recent CDC report, which tracks overdose deaths from January 2023 to June 2024, emphasizes the urgent need for public awareness and intervention. Although the overall number of overdoses has decreased in recent months, carfentanil-related deaths continue to rise. Health officials warn that if this trend persists, the overall number of overdose deaths could increase dramatically.
To prevent further harm, the CDC urges the public to remain vigilant, particularly as drug dealers mix carfentanil into their supplies to make them more potent and addictive. Symptoms of carfentanil overdose include drowsiness, disorientation, pinpoint pupils, and slowed breathing. In the event of exposure, immediate medical attention is critical, and naloxone, an opioid reversal drug, can save lives if administered quickly.
