Fentanyl has made headlines for causing overdose deaths, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that a deadlier drug is on the rise.
Last year, nearly 70% of overdose deaths in the United States were attributed to illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF). One of them, the CDC warned in a Dec. 5 alert, is carfentanil, a modified version of fentanyl said to be 100 times more potent.
According to the same source, deaths from carfentanil have increased by more than 700% in the past year – 29 fatal overdoses occurred between January and June 2023, compared with 238 during the same period in 2024 .
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The data comes from the CDC’s National Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS).
The agency noted that number may actually be higher because the 2024 data is preliminary and does not report all overdose deaths.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned in an alert on Dec. 5 that carfentanil is a modified version of fentanyl and is said to be 100 times more potent. (iStock)
The CDC noted that since an outbreak of carfentanil-related deaths in 2016 and 2016, the drug “largely disappeared” until its recent reappearance.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is calling for “rigorous monitoring” of carfentanil and other opioids that are more potent than fentanyl in light of an increase in fatal overdoses.
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As with other illicit drugs, its “high profitability” may be driving its popularity, said Dr. Chris Tull, clinical director of addiction services at the center. University of Cincinnati Medical School.
“A very small number of doses can produce thousands of doses,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Synthetic opioids like carfentanil are relatively easy to make in illegal labs,” Tour continued. “Because the drug is synthetic, it is easier to produce – unlike heroin, which relies on plants such as opium.”
Why is carfentanil so dangerous?
Tour confirmed that carfentanil is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl.
“Even a small amount can be fatal because it can cause respiratory failure,” he said.
Experts say carfentanil can sometimes be found in a “press pill” form similar to the prescription drug. (iStock)
Tull said one of the main problems with carfentanil and fentanyl is that they are often mixed with other drugs, such as benzodiazepines, cocaine and opioids, which can lead to accidental overdoses.
“Carfentanil is also similar to cocaine and heroin, so it can be mixed with other drugs,” he warned.
“Even a small amount can be fatal because it can cause respiratory failure.”
“Even tiny amounts of the drug can enhance the potency of the drug mixture, resulting in a more intense, longer-lasting high.”
Carfentanil often appeals to drug users with high opioid tolerance as they seek stronger substances, “making the drug attractive despite the risks,” Toole noted.
How is the drug administered?
Tull said carfentanil can be injected and is often mixed with other opioids or heroin. It comes in powder form and can be inhaled.
“Inhaled medication can quickly become risky because it can enter the bloodstream and lead to an overdose,” Tull warned. “This can happen intentionally or unintentionally, as the medication can easily spread through the air.”
An addiction expert warns that carfentanil can be injected and is often mixed with other opioids or heroin. (iStock)
Experts say carfentanil can sometimes be found in a “pressed pill” form similar to the prescription drug.
“Depending on the route of administration, carfentanil can be fatal in the 2 mg range,” he warned.
What parents should know
“Children are now the generation of artificial intelligence and deep fakes as illicit drugs pass off as regular prescription drugs,” Tur warned.
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To help protect children from the dangers of illicit drugs, experts stress the importance of open communication and education.
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“Educate your children about the dangers and risks of drug use, including synthetic opioids like carfentanil,” he advises.
Parents should supervise and supervise their children, understand their social circles and limit unsupervised online activities, Toole suggested.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is calling for “rigorous monitoring” of carfentanil and other opioids that are more potent than fentanyl in light of an increase in fatal overdoses. (iStock)
“I also think it’s important for parents to realize that 84 per cent of people who have a substance use disorder also have a co-occurring mental health problem,” he added.
“Seeking mental health services for your child may help address underlying issues that may be contributing to a substance use disorder.”
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The CDC calls for specific steps to prevent deaths from illicitly manufactured fentanyl, “such as maintaining and improving distribution of risk reduction tools, increasing access to and retention in substance use disorder treatment, and preventing drug initiation.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for comment.
