Deadly Drug Combo Alert

The combination of fentanyl, a powerful pain drug, and heroin or cocaine sold by street dealers is believed to be responsible for several drug-related deaths and a larger number of drug overdoses on the U.S. east coast and in the midwest, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The government agency issued an "action alert" to substance abuse treatment and prevention professionals, state substance abuse authorities and recovery community-related organizations about the potential lethal effect of the new street drug combination.

According to a SAMSHA news release, in one week in May, an estimated 33 individuals in the Detroit died after using the fatal drug combination. The same drug combination may have been responsible for more than 100 deaths in Philadelphia, Camden, Chicago, St. Louis, and Detroit since last September.

"Individuals involved in the public health need to be aware of this new dangerous drug combination," Substance Abuse Treatment Director H. Westley Clark, M.D. said. "They need to be prepared to alert patients, clients and others to help save lives. After all, fentanyl is 50-100 times more powerful than morphine. When mixed with cocaine or heroin, the results can be lethal."

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 many cases buyers are not aware that they are buying heroin or cocaine mixed with fentanyl, SAMSHA said.

More Information:
SAMSHA News Release
Profile of Fentanyl
Fentanyl - Strong Medicine for Serious Pain