Health officials are warning about a drug 100 times more potent than fentanyl that has caused deaths in 37 states in recent years.
The drug, called carfentanil, is a derivative of fentanyl that was designed to tranquilize elephants, and is the most potent commercial opioid on the market.
There were 513 overdoses from carfentanil between January 2021 and June 2024, hitting states like Florida and West Virginia the hardest, according to a CDC report published today.
But while the overall numbers are low, officials are concerned because the total has increased increased seven-fold in the past year.
This could threaten to reverse a recent drop in drug overdoses seen in the country.
Carfentanil comes in powder, paper, tablet, patch and spray form, and can be inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin.
In it’s powdered form, the drug mimics cocaine or heroin, and is often mixed into other illegal drugs like xylazine or counterfeit pills.
As little as 2 milligrams, about one 50th of a pinch of salt, of the drug can be lethal – slowing breathing to dangerous levels, leading to brain damage or death.