Fentanyl CDC Warning
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA) are investigating recent increases in
fentanyl-related unintentional overdose fatalities in multiple states
across the U.S. In light of this the CDC has issued a Health Advisory to:
1) Alert public health departments, health care providers, first
responders, and medical examiners and coroners to the possibility of
additional fentanyl-related unintentional overdose increases in other
jurisdictions,
2) Provide recommendations for improving detection of fentanyl-related
overdose outbreaks and,
3) Encourage states to expand access to naloxone and training for
administering naloxone to reduce opioid overdose deaths.
Although pharmaceutical fentanyl can be diverted for misuse, most cases of
fentanyl-related morbidity and mortality have been linked to illicitly
manufactured fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, collectively referred to as
non-pharmaceutical fentanyl (NPF).NPF is sold via illicit drug markets for
its heroin-like effect and often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine as a
combination product with or without the user’s knowledge to increase its
euphoric effects. While NPF-related overdoses can be reversed with
naloxone, a higher dose or multiple number of doses per overdose event may
be required to revive a patient due to the high potency of NPF.
Fentanyl poses a significant danger to public health workers, first
responders, and law enforcement personnel that may unwittingly come into
contact with it either by absorbing through the skin or accidental
inhalation of airborne powder.
In the Health Advisory, the CDC suggests the following actions in response
to increases in fentanyl-related overdose deaths:
* Improve detection of fentanyl outbreaks to facilitate effective response.
* Expand Use of Naloxone. Naloxone is a safe and effective antidote to all
opioid-related overdoses, including heroin and fentanyl, and is a critical
tool in preventing fatal opioid overdoses. Depending on state and local
laws, this medication can potentially be administered effectively by EMS,
law enforcement, people at high risk for overdose, or family and friend
bystanders who have obtained the medication.
For additional information read the entire Health Advisory at the link
below.
http://www.mcnstayalert.com/stayalert/alert/ag9zfm1jbi1zdGF5YWxlcnRyFQsSCEFsZXJ0X3YyGICAgKadufIIDA/CDC-Issues-Health-Advisory-about-Increases-in-Fentanyl-Drug-Confiscations-and-Fentanyl-related-Overdose-Fatalities