The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about carfentanil, a drug 100 times more potent than fentanyl, as overdose deaths have surged over the past year. According to the CDC, carfentanil-related deaths increased by over 700% from January to June 2024, with 238 fatalities compared to 29 during the same period in 2023. Carfentanil, an altered version of fentanyl, is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and poses a significant risk due to its high potency and potential for accidental overdose.
The CDC's alert, released on December 5, highlights the need for rigorous monitoring of carfentanil and other powerful opioids. The agency's State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) provided the data, which may be incomplete as not all overdose deaths have been reported. Carfentanil, which had largely disappeared after a spike in deaths in 2016, has reemerged, driven by its high profitability and ease of production in illicit labs.
Dr. Chris Tuell, clinical director of addiction services at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, explained that carfentanil is often mixed with other drugs, such as benzodiazepines, cocaine, and opioids, increasing the risk of accidental overdoses. The drug can be injected, inhaled, or found in pressed pills resembling prescription medications. Even a small amount can be fatal, as it can cause respiratory failure.
The CDC emphasizes the importance of harm reduction strategies, including increasing access to high-quality services and reducing stigma related to substance use and overdose. The agency also recommends using test strips to detect fentanyl, though they may not identify more potent drugs like carfentanil.