Deadly drug 100 times more potent than fentanyl, as CDC warns of overdose spike

Fentanyl has made headlines for its overdose deaths, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning of the rise of an even deadlier drug.

Last year, nearly 70% of all overdose deaths in the United States were attributed to illegally manufactured fentanyls (IMFs). One of them was carfentanil, a modified version of fentanyl that is believed to be 100 times more potent, the CDC warned in a Dec. 5 alert.

Deaths from carfentanil have increased by more than 700% over the past year, according to the same source: there were 29 fatal overdoses between January and June 2023, and 238 during the same period in 2024.

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This data comes from the CDC’s National Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS).

The numbers could actually be higher because data for 2024 is preliminary and not all overdose deaths have been reported, the agency noted.

Since an outbreak of carfentanil-related deaths in 2016 and 2016, the drug had “largely disappeared” until this recent re-emergence, the CDC noted.

Amid rising fatal overdoses, the CDC is calling for “rigorous monitoring” of carfentanil and other opioids more potent than fentanyl.

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As with other illicit drugs, its “high profitability” is likely behind its prevalence, according to Dr. Chris Tuell, clinical director of addiction services at University of Cincinnati Faculty of Medicine.

“Very small quantities can produce thousands of doses,” he told Fox News Digital.

“Synthetic opioids like carfentanil are relatively easy to manufacture in illicit laboratories,” Tuell continued. “As it is a synthetic drug, it is easier to produce, unlike heroin, which relies on a plant like opium.”

Why is carfentanil so dangerous?

Carfentanil is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, Tuell confirmed.

“Even a small amount can be fatal, as it can cause respiratory failure,” he said.

One of the main problems with carfentanil and fentanyl is that they are frequently mixed with other drugs, such as benzodiazepines, cocaine and opioids, which can lead to accidental overdoses, according to Tuell.

“Carfentanil can also resemble cocaine and heroin, so it mixes well with other drugs,” he warned.

“Even a small amount can be fatal, as it can cause respiratory failure.”

“Even a tiny amount can increase the potency of a drug mixture, leading to a stronger, longer-lasting effect.”

Carfentanil often appeals to drug users who have a high tolerance to opioids because they are looking for a stronger substance, “which makes the drug attractive despite the risk,” Tuell noted.

How is the medicine administered?

Carfentanil can be injected and is frequently mixed with other opioids or heroin, Tuell said. In powder form, it can be inhaled.

“Inhaling the drug can quickly become risky because it can enter the bloodstream, leading to an overdose,” Tuell warned. “This can happen intentionally or accidentally, as the drug can easily spread through the air.”

Carfentanil can sometimes come in the form of “pressed pills” that resemble prescription medications, the expert said.

“Carfentanil can be fatal at up to 2 milligrams depending on the route of administration,” he warned.

What parents should know

“Kids are now the generation of artificial intelligence and deepfakes, as illicit drugs masquerade as regular prescription drugs,” Tuell warned.

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To help protect children from the dangers of illicit drugs, the expert stressed the importance of open communication and education.

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“Educate your child about the dangers and risks of using drugs, including synthetic opioids like carfentanil,” he advised.

Parents should provide monitoring and supervision of their children, be aware of their social circles and limit unsupervised online activities, Tuell recommended.

“I also believe it is important for parents to realize that 84 percent of people with a substance use disorder also have a co-occurring mental health issue,” he added.

“Seeking mental health services for your child could help address underlying issues that may have led to a substance use disorder.”

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The CDC called for specific efforts to prevent deaths from illegally manufactured fentanyls, “such as maintaining and improving the distribution of harm reduction tools, increasing access and retention of treatment for substance use disorders and prevention of drug initiation.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for comment.