BUFFALO, N.Y. — A potent opioid known as 'carfentanil' has been linked to the first reported overdose death involving the powerful synthetic drug in Erie County.
The Erie County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the case stating that carfentanil is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl.
“Carfentanil’s effects hit faster and last longer than fentanyl. The discovery of this toxic and incredibly dangerous drug signals another phase in the opioid epidemic,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein.
“Now that we know that carfentanil has made its way into the local illicit drug supply, we need to reinforce the risks for people who use any illicit drugs, including drugs not marketed as opioids, such as cocaine, and emphasize the support, resources and harm reduction tactics available for people to avoid injury and death,” Burstein said.
The death happened in September, and toxicology reports following it confirmed the presence of multiple substances, which included carfentanil, cocaine, and fentanyl.
Carfentanil has limited clinical use but is most commonly used by veterinarians to anesthetize large animals such as elephants for surgical treatments.
Burstein said that carfentanil, which has been diverted, stolen, or manufactured overseas, is typically added as a cheap and easy-to-obtain filler substance in illicit drugs.
“Our Medical Examiner’s Office investigated 371 confirmed or suspected opioid-related overdose deaths in 2023, with another month left this year. That is already 20% higher than the total in 2022, which was our highest total ever, and the year is not over yet,” Dr. Burstein explained. “Given the volume of opioid-related overdose deaths in 2023, it is possible that toxicology testing will confirm carfentanil in other cases.”
The health department said that due to carfentanil's high potency, Narcan could work to reverse the effects of exposure but to get someone breathing again, they may need additional doses of Narcan.
The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) offers harm reduction supplies and peer support. Those interested can call (716) 858-7695.
Resources to reduce the risk of harm from drug use include
- Carry Narcan, and know how and when to use it. Text (716) 225-5473 to have Narcan and fentanyl test strips mailed to you for free.
- Never use alone. Have Narcan and a friend with you who is not using drugs, or contact a service like Never Use Alone (neverusealone.com)
- Test your drugs for fentanyl even if you think it is cocaine or another substance that is not an opioid. Free test strips available from the Erie County Department of Health. Call (716) 858-7695.
- Seek support. ECDOH has peer navigators and a family coordinator; call (716) 858-7695. The Buffalo & Erie County Addictions Hotline is available 24/7 with referrals for individuals and their families. Call (716) 831-7007.
- Seek treatment. Local hospital emergency departments can connect patients to immediate medication assisted treatment. Ask for MATTERS Network.
To learn more visit www3.erie.gov