Fentanyl has made headlines for causing overdose deaths, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning of the emergence of a even deadlier drug.
Last year, nearly 70% of all overdose deaths in the US were attributed to illegally manufactured fentanyls (IMFs). One of those was carfentanil, a modified version of fentanyl that is said to be 100 times more powerful, the CDC warned in a Dec. 5 alert.
According to the same source, deaths from carfentanil have increased by more than 700% in the past year: there were 29 fatal overdoses between January and June 2023, and 238 in the same time frame in 2024.
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This data comes from the CDC’s State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS).
The numbers could be even higher as the 2024 data is preliminary and not all overdose deaths have been reported, the agency noted.
Carfentanil, a modified version of fentanyl said to be 100 times more potent, the CDC warned in a Dec. 5 alert. (iStock)
Since an outbreak of carfentanil-related deaths in 2016 and 2016, the drug had “largely disappeared” until this recent reemergence, the CDC noted.
Based on the increase in fatal overdoses, the CDC is calling for “rigorous monitoring” of carfentanil and other opioids more potent than fentanyl.
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As with other illicit drugs, “high profitability” likely drives its prevalence, according to Dr. Chris tuell, clinical director of addiction services at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
“Very small amounts can yield thousands of doses,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Synthetic opioids such as carfentanil are relatively easy to manufacture in illegal laboratories,” Tuell continued. ‘Because the drug is synthetic, it is easier to produce – unlike heroin, which relies on a plant like opium.’
Why is carfentanil so dangerous?
Carfentanil is 10,000 times more powerful than morphine and 100 times more powerful than fentanyl, Tuell confirmed.
“Even a small amount can be fatal because it can be the cause respiratory failure” he said.
Carfentanil can sometimes come in the form of “pressed pills” that resemble prescription medications, the expert said. (iStock)
One of the biggest problems with carfentanil and fentanyl is that they are often mixed with other medications, such as benzodiazepines, cocaine and opioids, which can lead to accidental overdoses, according to Tuell.
“Carfentanil can also look like cocaine and heroin, so it fits well with the other drugs,” he warned.
“Even a small amount can be fatal as it can cause breathing problems.”
“Even a small amount can increase the potency of a drug mixture, leading to a stronger and longer-lasting high.”
Carfentanil often appeals to drug users who have a high tolerance for opioids because they are looking for a stronger substance, “making the drug attractive despite the risk,” Tuell noted.
How is the medicine administered?
Carfentanil can be injected and is often mixed with other opioids or heroin, Tuell said. In powder form it can be inhaled.
“Inhaling the drug can quickly become risky because it can enter the bloodstream, which could result in an overdose,” Tuell warned. “This can happen intentionally or accidentally as the drug can easily become airborne.”
Carfentanil can be injected and is often mixed with other opioids or heroin, an addiction specialist warned. (iStock)
Carfentanil can sometimes come in the form of “pressed pills” that resemble prescription medications, the expert said.
“Carfentanil can be fatal from 2 milligrams, depending on the route of administration,” he warned.
What parents need to know
‘Children are now the generation of artificial intelligence and deepfakes, because illegal drugs masquerade as regular medicines,” Tuell warned.
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To help protect children Due to the dangers of illegal drugs, the expert emphasized the importance of open communication and education.
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“Educate your child about the dangers and risks of drug use, including synthetic opioids such as carfentanil,” he advised.
Parents should supervise their children, be aware of their social circles and limit unsupervised online activity, Tuell advises.
Based on the increase in fatal overdoses, the CDC is calling for “rigorous monitoring” of carfentanil and other opioids more potent than fentanyl. (iStock)
“I also think it’s important for parents to realize that 84% of people with a substance use disorder also have a co-occurring condition. mental health issue,” he added.
“Seeking mental health care for your child can help address the underlying issues that may have led to a substance use disorder.”
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The CDC called for specific efforts to prevent deaths from illicitly manufactured fentanyls, “such as maintaining and improving the distribution of risk reduction tools, increasing access to and retention in treatment for substance use disorders, and preventing initiation of drug use.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for comment.
