Fentanyl has made headlines for its role in overdose deaths, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns about the rise of an even deadlier substance.
Last year, illegally made fentanyls (IMFs) accounted for over 70% of all overdose deaths in the United States. One of these was carfentanil, an altered variant of fentanyl that is reported to be 100 times more toxic, according to a CDC advisory issued on December 5.
According to the same source, carfentanil deaths have increased by more than 700% in the last year, with 29 fatal overdoses between January and June 2023 and 238 in the same period in 2024.
The data came from the CDC’s State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS).
According to the organization, the numbers could be even higher because the 2024 data is preliminary and not all overdose deaths have been reported.
Since an outbreak of carfentanil-related deaths in 2016 and 2016, the drug had “largely disappeared” until its current reemergence, according to the CDC.
Based on the rise in fatal overdoses, the CDC recommends “rigorous monitoring” of carfentanil and other opioids more potent than fentanyl.
Dr. Chris Tuell, clinical director of addiction services at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, believes that, like other illicit drugs, its “high profitability” is likely to drive its prevalence.
“Very small amounts can produce thousands of doses,” he informed Fox News Digital.
“Synthetic opioids like carfentanil are relatively easy to manufacture in illicit labs,” according to Tuell. “Since the drug is synthetic, it is easier to produce — unlike heroin, which is dependent on a plant like opium.”
Carfentanil is 10,000 times more strong than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, Tuell stated.
“Even a small amount can be fatal, as it can cause respiratory failure,” he said.
According to Tuell, one of the most serious issues about carfentanil and fentanyl is that they are regularly mixed with other substances such as benzodiazepines, cocaine, and opioids, which can lead to unintentional overdoses.
“Carfentanil can also resemble cocaine and heroin, so it blends right in with the other drugs,” the doctor said.
“Even a tiny amount can increase the potency of a drug mixture, leading to a stronger and longer-lasting high.”
Carfentanil is frequently appealing to drug users with a high tolerance to opioids because they seek a stronger substance, “making the drug attractive despite the risk,” Tuell added.
Carfentanil is an injectable drug that is usually combined with other opioids like heroin, according to Tuell. It is inhalable in powder form.
“Inhaling the drug can be quickly risky because it can enter the bloodstream, resulting in an overdose,” according to Tuell. “This can happen intentionally or accidentally, as the drug can become easily airborne.”
Carfentanil can occasionally come in the form of “pressed pills” that look like prescription drugs, according to the expert.
“Carfentanil can be lethal at the 2-milligram range depending on the route of administration,” the physician warned.
“Children are now the generation of artificial intelligence and deepfakes, as illicit drugs are posing like regular prescription medications,” Tuell told the crowd.
To assist protect children from the hazards of illegal substances, the expert stressed the necessity of open communication and education.
“Educate your child about the dangers and risks of drug use, including synthetic opioids like carfentanil,” according to his suggestion.
Tuell advised parents to monitor and supervise their children, keep track of their social groups, and minimize unsupervised online activity.
“I also believe it is important that parents realize that 84% of individuals with a substance use disorder also have a co-occurring mental health issue,” according to him.
“Seeking out mental health services for your child could help address the underlying issues that may have led to a substance use disorder.”
The CDC urged for particular actions to reduce deaths caused by illegally made fentanyl, “such as maintaining and improving distribution of risk reduction tools, increasing access to and retention of treatment for substance use disorders, and preventing drug use initiation.”
Source: CDC warns of deadly drug 100 times more potent than fentanyl, overdoses spike in the past year
