A new threat posed by carfentanil, a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times stronger than morphine, is alarming the United States. Originally developed as a tranquilizer for large mammals like elephants and bears, this drug is now at the center of a growing health crisis. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC, it has already caused 513 overdose cases across 37 states between 2021 and 2024.
Although the overall numbers remain relatively low, the drug’s impact has surged, with cases increasing sevenfold in the past year. This trend threatens to reverse the recent progress made in combating drug overdoses.
Carfentanil, a fentanyl derivative, is available in various forms, including powder, tablets, patches, sprays, and even on paper. The powdered form is often mixed with other illegal drugs, such as xylazine and counterfeit pills, making the combination even more dangerous for users.
A mere 2 milligrams of the substance the equivalent of one-fiftieth of a pinch of salt is enough to cause a lethal dose, potentially leading to respiratory depression, irreversible brain damage, and death.
Overdoses linked to this opioid are most prevalent in Florida and West Virginia, where over 20 deaths have been reported in the past 18 months. However, states like Illinois, Ohio, and New York are also experiencing a rise in cases.
Illegally manufactured carfentanil is notoriously hard to detect, and its extreme potency poses a significant risk even to those who accidentally handle it.
Exposure to the drug can result in symptoms such as drowsiness, disorientation, pinpoint pupils, and sweating. In such cases, immediate medical attention is crucial, along with the administration of naloxone, a medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If used promptly, naloxone can reverse the effects of an overdose.
Chuck Rosenberg, former acting administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), described carfentanil as “insanely dangerous” and noted that it is often sold as heroin or other more common drugs.
While the DEA and CDC continue to monitor the spread of this substance, they emphasize the importance of raising public awareness. If this crisis is not effectively addressed, it could mark a new and devastating phase in America’s opioid epidemic.
