Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid and a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S.\u00a0CDC\u00a0distinguishes between pharmaceutical fentanyl and illegally made fentanyl. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by a healthcare provider in a medical setting to treat severe pain. On the other hand, illegally made fentanyl is unregulated and is often added to other drugs, making them more addictive and dangerous.<\/p>\n
What is something people might be most surprised to know about fentanyl?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n As little as\u00a0two milligrams of fentanyl\u00a0(two grains of salt) can put you at risk for overdose.<\/p>\n How does fentanyl complicate our\u00a0overdose epidemic?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n People may be exposed to fentanyl without knowing it. It\u2019s nearly impossible to tell if drugs that did not come from a licensed pharmacy have been laced with fentanyl, because you can\u2019t see it, taste it, or smell it.<\/p>\n Who should care about this issue? \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Fentanyl\u2019s presence in the illegal drug market has become widespread, increasing the likelihood of accidental exposure and overdose, which poses a threat to individuals, families, and communities regardless of their risk or socioeconomic status.<\/p>\n Counterfeit pills often look legitimate. If you get pills or other drugs that weren\u2019t prescribed by your doctor than you have to assume that they might be laced with fentanyl.<\/p>\n Fentanyl is also a\u00a0rising threat to children\u00a0who can also get into poorly stored recreational drugs or prescription medications that aren\u2019t stored correctly and overdose.<\/p>\n
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