LANSING, MI (WTVB) – Health officials are warning of a synthetic opioid that’s 100 times more potent than fentanyl.
Carfentanil is reemerging in the illicit drug supply, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Between January and June, 11 deaths in Michigan have been linked to the synthetic opioid, the department reported. The deaths occurred in Ingham, Livingston, Eaton, Genesee, Oakland and Wayne counties.
Carfentanil was created for veterinarians to use with large animals, like elephants. About 10,000 times stronger than morphine, it is not approved for human use.
In each of the 11 carfentanil related deaths this year, other drugs were present, too 10 also tested positive for cocaine, and eight for fentanyl. Officials say people who use drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine may not know that the drugs could also contain carfentanil.
In both 2016 and 2017, Michigan saw more than 100 carfentanil-related deaths. These numbers decreased significantly in the following years, dropping to zero in 2021 and 2022, but then began to rise again.
Signs of an opioid overdose include unconsciousness, shallow breathing or difficulty breathing, and fingernails or lips that are turning blue, purple or gray. If you believe someone is experiencing an overdose, you’re urged to call 911, administer naloxone if possible and use rescue breathing.
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