Health experts issue warning about Carfentanil, a potent and deadly opioid

(Update: Addimg statement from Deschutes County Health Services)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County Health Services says there have been no Carfentanil overdoses in the areas they monitor and want to assure the public of the effectiveness of Narcan/nalaxone.

They have sent KTVZ News the following statement:

Deschutes County Health Services (DCHS) monitors overdose and substance surveillance for Deschutes County, and we have seen a decrease in both overdose and drug seizures, including fentanyl. Central Oregon has had zero confirmed fatal overdose cases attributed to carfentanil to date.

Carfentanil is an analog of fentanyl, which has been seen in the drug supply at various times in the United States since 2016. As carfentanil is a synthetic opioid, Naloxone (Narcan) is an effective overdose reversal medication. Using alone bears the greatest risk of a fatal overdose, no matter the substance.

We have no indication currently that carfentanil is readily available; however, DCHS is continuing to share typical overdose prevention and response resources and messaging with those at risk. (Harm Reduction Program | Deschutes County Oregon)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) (July 22) -- A new type of drug is being trafficked in our area and it's even more deadly than fentanyl. Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid often used in veterinary medicine for large animals. It's strong enough to sedate rhinos, hippos, and elephants. 

Carfentanil is 100 times stronger than fentanyl. Just 200 mg of fentanyl, about the size of a penny, can kill a person. That means even tiny grains of carfentanil are deadly and overdoses are nearly impossible to treat. 

Dr. David Campbell, from Recover Together Bend told KTVZ News "It requires significant doses of Narcan, more doses, more frequency of dosing to get them out. Rescuing someone out of that is extremely rare now. A single use Narcan, typically 4 mg in dose, to treat a carfentanil overdose will more than likely not reduce it or even touch it. Carfentanil is just that much more potent."

Carfentanil is often pressed into pills like legitimate opioids or fentanyl. The US is seeing this drug spread rapidly between January and June of 2023. The most recent numbers from January to June of 2024 reported 238 deaths.