Warning about Fentanyl-laced Counterfeit Pills and Compounds

A public health alert was issued recently from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on increased risk of overdose and fatalities associated with Fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills and compounds.
Commissioners and directors from four Tennessee departments are urging the public to have increased awareness about the substance.  They include: Commissioner, Tennessee Dept. of Health, Commissioner, Tenn. Dept. of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Director, Tenn. Bureau of Investigation and the Assistant Commissioner for the Tenn. Dept. of Safety & Homeland Security.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid estimated by the CDC to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and has been used for treating severe pain. Available initially in patches or lozenges for cancer patients, it is now being manufactured and sold illegally. Tennesseans should know:
Fentanyl is often mixed with heroin, cocaine or other drugs to increase the effects of those drugs. It is used to produce cheap counterfeits of Oxycodone, Xanax and Norco. It can be sold as counterfeit heroin. It can be inhaled, swallowed, injected, absorbed through skin contact or passed along in a vaporized form. It affects the central nervous system and respiratory functions; in overdoses, a victim loses the ability to breathe and can die if emergency care is not provided.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid dependence, please contact the Tennessee REDLINE (1-800-889-9789) to seek help now.