Fact Sheet: Heroin Fentanyl

When used illegally, particularly in combination with a drug such as heroin or cocaine, or when used in excessive amounts, fentanyl can result in irregular heart beat, the inability to breathe, and death. In some cases, heroin or cocaine users are aware they are purchasing this dangerous combination of drugs; in other cases, the buyer is not aware that he or she is purchasing this potentially lethal drug combination. The current situation highlights the need to be vigilant in your community for the possible introduction of this potent drug mixture into circulation on the street, and to help educate individuals with whom you come in contact.

DETECTING AND TREATING OVERDOSES
Fentanyl-related overdoses can result in sudden death through respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, severe respiratory depression, cardiovascular collapse or severe anaphylactic reaction. Routine toxicology screens for opiates will not detect fentanyl. Some labs can test for fentanyl when specifically requested. Because these drugs, in combination, can be lethal if action is not taken promptly, suspected overdoses should be treated rapidly with a naloxone injection, 0.4-2 mg IV, SC or IM every 2 to 3 minutes which should rapidly reverse symptoms related to a narcotic overdose. Naloxone can also precipitate immediate narcotic withdrawal symptoms as overdose symptoms are reversed. If there is no response after 10 minutes, a different diagnosis should be considered.

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