Fentanyl
That tiny square on the right is 1 microgram!
The middle square is 1 milligram. That larger square on the left is 1 gram. 1 microgram is 1 millionth of a gram! With fentanyl 20,000 of those tiny squares, or 20 of the medium sized squares, is as potent as 1 gram of pure heroin. To give a better idea of fentanyl’s potency, a typical grain of sand weighs 11 milligrams. This would be enough to kill at least 3 people with no tolerance to opiates.
Fentanyl Facts
Fentanyl is a synthetic “opioid” so it is in the same family as heroin but it’s not the same. Same with “analogs” of fentanyl like acetyl, butyr, furanyl or carfentanyl—they are different versions but they are all still opioids.
Fentanyl is about 80-100 times stronger than morphine, or about 50 times stronger than heroin. Some analogs are even stronger.
It is extremely FAST ACTING, but it has a SHORT DURATION, so comes on strong and wears off quickly.
Naloxone (Narcan) will work on a fentanyl overdose, make sure you have it on hand! Fentanyl is NOT “NARCAN RESISTANT.”
You must administer naloxone (Narcan) right away if someone stops breathing. You do not have much time, so please act fast.
Fentanyl overdose can occasionally cause rapid rigidity of the chest or, “wooden chest syndrome”. This means that the naloxone may work BUT the chest is stiff and can’t take in air so rescue breathing won’t work.
Don’t be fooled by the pulse!!!! Sometimes the blood pressure spikes during an overdose so it seems like the pulse is strong, and the muscles may spasm or get stiff.
How do we stay safe?
Assume Fentanyl
The drug supply is inconsistent and unpredictable. Fentanyl has popped up everywhere, in all different forms. If your drugs look weird or different, taste, smell or seem off in any way, go slow, be careful, do less at first.
Have naloxone (Narcan)
That means everyone! Whether you don’t normally use opioids carry it anyway because you never know when fentanyl might be in your drugs or your friends drugs.
Give Naloxone immediately
The key to surviving a fentanyl overdose is administering naloxone right away to the person experiencing respiratory depression. DO NOT WAIT.
Remember
- Don’t use alone, and if you’re in a group, stagger your use with each other so you can be alert if someone needs help
- If your drugs look, smell, taste, dissolve, or in any way seem different than usual, BE CAREFUL, use caution and smarts.
- Use less if you suspect fentanyl
- Hydrate
- Get naloxone, replace it as soon as you lose it or use it or give it away
