Fentanyl

Overview

Fentanyl, an analgesic used to control pain, is a schedule II narcotic under the United States Controlled Substances Act of 1970.  

What is the potency of fentanyl?

Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine. It only takes two milligrams of the substance to be considered a lethal dose of the illicit drug.

What is fentanyl poisoning?

Fentanyl poisoning occurs when a person unknowingly consumes a lethal dose of fentanyl. This could occur by ingesting counterfeit or fake pills or other illicit substances that have been laced with fentanyl. It is impossible to see, taste or smell fentanyl.  

Signs that someone may be experiencing fentanyl poisoning include:

• Unconsciousness or inability to awaken
• Slow or shallow breathing or difficulty breathing such as choking sounds or a gurgling or snoring noise from a person who cannot be awakened
• Discolored skin, especially in nails or lips
• Small, constricted "pinpoint pupils" that don't react to light

If someone is unconscious and you are unsure if they are overdosing, always call 911 and monitor their symptoms while you wait for emergency services to arrive. 

How to reverse fentanyl poisoning?

Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is an opioid overdose reversal medication which can be given to someone experiencing fentanyl poisoning through the nose as a spray. 

The Naloxone medication comes in two doses. If there is no response via breathing of the person who received the first dose, then a second dose should be administered within 2-3 minutes following the first dose. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention created a Video on How to Use Naloxone that outlines how to administer this over-the-counter medication. Please remember to call 9-1-1 first if a person is unconscious or shows any sign of fentanyl poisoning. Calling 9-1-1 before pursuing further assessment or administration of Naloxone, ensures the person's access to critical medical assistance in this situation. 

To learn more about Fentanyl view the US Drug Enforcement Administration’s Facts about Fentanyl (dea.gov) and the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention Drug Fact Sheet: Fentanyl

To assess risk associated with the use of prescription medications, complete a confidential and anonymous screening tool designed to help individuals understand immediate and long-term risk of prescription drug misuse. This screening tool can be accessed through ScreenU Rx. 

If you have misused prescription medications, currently use counterfeit pills, take other people's medications, or use other illicit substances, reach out to ASU Counseling Services to discuss your concerns. 

Concerned about a friend’s use of counterfeit pills or illicit substances? 

If a friend has a medical need for prescription medications, encourage them to obtain this medication through a prescription prescribed by a health provider and filled at a local pharmacy. To schedule an appointment with an ASU Health Services provider, call 480-965-3349 or make an appointment through the ASU Health Portal.

If you recognize signs associated with prescription drug misuse, encourage your friend to speak with their health provider. Common behavior and physical changes associated with prescription drug misuse are:

• Behavior changes
  • Sudden mood or personality changes
  • Avoiding or switching friends and peer groups
  • Beginning to use additional drugs
  • Losing interest in personal appearance, hobbies and interests
  • Family history of alcohol or other drug use
     
• Physical signs and symptoms
  • Opioids: coma, unconsciousness, slowed or shallow breathing, nausea, vomiting, staggered gait, constipation
  • Depressants: fatigue, confusion, respiratory depressions, slurred speech, blurred vision, slowed reflexes, impaired coordination, dizziness.
  • Stimulants: convulsions, seizures, chest pain, coma, dilated pupils, paranoia and nervousness, loss of appetite or sudden and unexplained weight loss, hyperactivity, hallucinations, nausea, low blood pressure. 

If your friend is experiencing any of these symptoms encourage them to connect with ASU Health and Counseling Services to discuss their concerns about opioid and illicit drug misuse. 

Consider carrying Naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. One can obtain this life saving medication through three different points of contact:

• Request at ASU Health Services Clinics
• Receive after attending campus sponsored educational training related to the National Opioid Epidemic 
• Purchase at local pharmacies surrounding campus

The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention created a Video on How to Use Naloxone that outlines how to administer this over-the-counter medication. Please remember to call 9-1-1 first if a person is unconscious or shows any sign of fentanyl poisoning. Calling 9-1-1 before pursuing further assessment or administration of Naloxone, ensures the person access to critical medical assistance. 

Fentanyl test strips can be used to test substances to determine if fentanyl has been used in the creation of these counterfeit or illicit substances. Fentanyl test strips can be obtained through ASU Health Services.  

Arizona has a Good Samaritan Law which prohibits an individual who has sought medical assistance related to an overdose from being charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance if the evidence for the charge or prosecution of the drug-related crime resulted solely from seeking medical assistance. However, individuals can be prosecuted for other non-drug related crimes at the scene and arrested. 

ASU has put into place a Good Samaritan Protocol, to further advance our Community of Care. Under the Good Samaritan protocol, students and organizations that seek assistance for themselves or others should do so without fear of university disciplinary action.  Students are expected to contact ASU Community Assistants, ASU Police, or seek medical attention by calling 9-1-1 when assistance is needed for a student in medical distress. 

• US Drug Enforcement Administration’s Facts about Fentanyl (dea.gov)and Drug Index | Campus Drug Prevention
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention Drug Fact Sheet: Fentanyland Fentanyl | Overdose Prevention | CDC
• National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse Fentanyl | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov)
• National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse- The goal of NCAPDA is to create awareness of the dangers caused by prescription drug abuse.
• For information on how to speak to loved ones on the dangers of counterfeit pills use the resources located in the Substance Abuse Coalition Leaders of Arizona Toolkit - SACLA (saclaz.org).
• Arizona Region of NA – Arizona Region of Narcotics Anonymous to locate local meetings in your area.

The TC Chillemi Wellness Homecoming Event raises awareness on the topic of counterfeit pills and use of illicit drugs. Through the use of storytelling, this event highlights ASU resources available to assist students who struggle with substance misuse and encourages students to check-in with one another when signs of substance misuse are recognized.

Recovery Rising   supports students who are in recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction, eating disorders, self-harm or traumatic experiences, who are interested in recovery, or want to support someone in recovery. Consider joining Recovery Rising, ASU’s Collegiate Recovery Program.

To request a training on fentanyl and/or naloxone, please fill out the Request Wellness Education Webform.