CDC warns of deadly drug 100 times more potent than fentanyl

The Centers for Disease Control recently reported nearly 70% of all U.S. overdose deaths in 2023 were attributed to illegally manufactured fentanyls. This includes carfentanil, an altered version said to be 100 times more potent than fentanyl.

The CDC said there were 29 carfentanil overdose deaths between January and June 2023, with 238 deaths over the same time period in 2024.

The University of Cincinnati's Chris Tuell, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience in UC's College of Medicine and clinical director of addiction services at UC Health's Lindner Center of HOPE, told Fox News Digital carfentanil's "high profitability" likely drives its prevalence.

"Very small amounts can produce thousands of doses," he told Fox News Digital. "Synthetic opioids like carfentanil are relatively easy to manufacture in illicit labs. Since the drug is a synthetic, it is easier to produce — unlike heroin, which is dependent on a plant like opium."

Tuell said even a small amount of carfentanil can be fatal and cause respiratory failure, and it resembles and can often "blend in" with drugs like cocaine and heroin. He additionally recommended parents should have open and honest communication with their children about the dangers of illicit drug use.

"Educate your child about the dangers and risks of drug use, including synthetic opioids like carfentanil," he advised.

Read the Fox News Digital article, which was also published on MSN and Yahoo News.

Featured photo at top of pills on a counter. Photo/FotografiaBasica/iStock Photo.