74,000
Over 74,000 Americans lost their lives to a fentanyl or synthetic opioid-involved overdose in 2022.1
50x
Fentanyl is 50x stronger than heroin, and 100x stronger than morphine.2
#1
Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are the #1 drug involved in overdose deaths today.3
2 milligrams
A potentially lethal dose of fentanyl can be as small 2 mg.4 This is roughly equivalent to only a few grains of salt.
63%
In 2020, 63% of drug overdose deaths in Minnesota involved illicitly manufactured fentanyl.5
What is fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a strong synthetic opioid. It comes in medical and non-medical (illicit) forms. Many people use illicit fentanyl without their knowledge, while others use it intentionally for its strong opioid effects.
How is fentanyl used?
Pharmaceutical (Medical) Fentanyl
Medical fentanyl is used for pain management, often in surgical settings. It’s safely administered by healthcare providers, unlike illicit fentanyl.
Illicit (Illegally Made) Fentanyl
Illicit fentanyl comes in powder and liquid forms and is used in many ways:
- To make fake prescription pills
- Added to other illicit drugs
- Used on its own for the opioid effects
What are fentanyl test strips?
Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are a tool that can be used to check if a drug has fentanyl in it. FTS work similarly to an at-home pregnancy or COVID-19 test. FTS are inexpensive, reliable, and allow people to make informed decisions about their substance use. Minnesota Residents can get a free test kit from the Steve Rummler HOPE Network.
How to use fentanyl test strips
Fentanyl test strips are easy to use and provide results within 5 minutes. Simply dissolve a sample of your drug in a small amount of water and dip the test strip in the sample for 15 seconds. Wait for your result.
- One line = POSITIVE for fentanyl
- Two lines = NEGATIVE for fentanyl
Watch our instruction video for more info.
Fentanyl FAQs
Who is at risk of a fentanyl overdose?
Anyone using fentanyl, either knowingly or unknowingly, can be at risk of an overdose. When fentanyl is mixed into other drugs or pressed into fake pills, the dosing is unpredictable.
Certain groups may be at an increased risk of fatal overdose:
- People who don’t use opioids but are encountering a contaminated drug supply
- People using for the first time
- People resuming use after a period of abstinence
Note: Many factors can influence what may be a “lethal dose” including an individual’s personal tolerance, general health, body size, etc.
Can you overdose by touching fentanyl?
Despite misinformation in the media6, the risk of fentanyl overdose from casual skin exposure is extremely low.7 For fentanyl to be absorbed through skin, specific conditions have to be just right.
For example, medical fentanyl patches control even and precise dosing, amount of skin covered, moisture (adhesive) to bond, etc. These patches also require hours, even days of continuous wear to deliver their full dose.
The risk of overdose comes from contact with mucous membranes. If you’ve come in contact with fentanyl, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth and wash any affected areas with water.
How can I tell if my drug contains fentanyl?
When mixed with other drugs, fentanyl is undetectable by sight, smell, or taste. It can be almost impossible to tell the difference between a real pill from the pharmacy and a fake pill made with fentanyl just by looking at them.
Drug checking is the best way to get more information about what’s in your drugs. Fentanyl test strips are a convenient tool that can quickly tell you if your drug contains fentanyl.
Why are drug makers putting illicit fentanyl in the street drug supply?
Fentanyl is appealing to illicit drug manufacturers because it’s cheap and profitable. Because fentanyl is synthetic rather than plant-based like natural opiates, it’s cheaper to produce and acquire by cutting out the costs and time associated with planting and harvesting.
The high potency of fentanyl also means a little goes a long way; a small amount of illicit fentanyl can produce a large quantity of pressed pills or other drugs.
What are fentanyl analogs?
An analog drug is similar in chemical structure or pharmacological effect to another drug, but is not identical.8 Some examples of fentanyl analogs include: carfentanil, sufentanil, acetylfentanyl, and more.
Fentanyl test strips cannot detect every fentanyl analog, as new analogs continue to be created. Even if your drug tests negative, you can still practice safer use strategies to reduce your risk of fatal overdose.
Does naloxone work on a fentanyl overdose?
Yes. Naloxone can reverse the effects of any opioid, including fentanyl.
Take the training and get a free naloxone kit through the Steve Rummler HOPE Network.