Fentanyl is a synthetic drug that can be up to 100 times more potent than other opioids. It is a legal prescription drug generally used to manage pain. Because of its strength, the dose must be carefully monitored to prevent accidental overdose.
Pharmaceutical fentanyl comes in the following forms:
- Tablets
- Lozenges
- Skin patches
- Oral spray
- Intravenous
The emergence of fentanyl in the illegal drug market is a particular concern because it may be added to other street drugs. The high potency of fentanyl drastically raises the risk of overdose, especially if fentanyl has been mixed in with other street drugs.
Pill or powder drugs containing illicitly manufactured fentanyl are particularly dangerous and can be far more toxic because there is no quality control or regulated process for manufacturing illicit drugs.
There is no reliable way of knowing if fentanyl is in your drugs. Recreational drug users may be unknowingly putting themselves at risk for a fentanyl overdose by taking any type of illicit drug.
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is being sold in the following forms:
- Tablets
- Powder
- Blotter paper
- Liquids
- Mixed with other drugs i.e. cocaine, heroin, etc.