JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sounding the alarm about carfentanil, a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more lethal than fentanyl.
Originally developed as an elephant tranquilizer, the drug is now making its way into illegal drug supplies, often without users even knowing.
What makes carfentanil so dangerous?
Just two milligrams of carfentanil—the size of a few grains of salt—can kill 50 people, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. It’s being mixed with other drugs to create a cheaper, more potent product, but the results can be deadly.
Overdose deaths from drugs are declining overall in the United States, yet the CDC has detected a troubling rise in carfentanil-related deaths between 2021 and 2024.
Hidden threats in the drug supply
Mike McCormick, a spokesperson for the Poison Control Center in Jacksonville, explained that most users may not realize they’re taking carfentanil.
“It’s often mixed into other substances,” he said, adding that drug manufacturers are using it to quickly create stronger, more addictive drugs.
The widespread availability of naloxone, also known as Narcan, has been a lifeline for opioid overdose victims. However, McCormick warned that Narcan might not be enough to reverse a carfentanil overdose in one dose.
“It can help keep someone breathing until first responders arrive,” he said, emphasizing the need for multiple doses.
Growing concerns for public health
The Poison Control Center shared alarming statistics:
- 2020: 1 reported case of carfentanil use
- 2021: 3 reported cases
- 2022: 7 reported cases
- 2023: 20 reported cases
- 2024: 18 reported cases
While these numbers are still small compared to fentanyl-related overdoses, experts worry carfentanil could spark the next drug crisis.
“We don’t want this to get away from us. Otherwise, we might look back and wish we only had fentanyl overdoses to deal with,” McCormick said.
Health officials urge the public to:
- Carry naloxone, available at many pharmacies without a prescription.
- Be aware that counterfeit pills and illicit drugs can contain Carfentanil.
- Report suspected overdoses immediately.
Carfentanil is showing up in pills, powders, and other forms that can be injected, smoked, snorted, or swallowed.