What do you know about fentanyl?

Facts about Fentanyl

February 15, 2023

♦89% increase in fentanyl-related deaths were reported in Texas in 2021 compared to 2020

♦over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl

♦fentanyl poisoning is the leading cause of death for people ages 18 to 45 in the US

♦fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, often lethal with as little as 2 milligrams (the size of the end of a pencil lead)

♦4 out of every 10 pills with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose

♦99% of fentanyl overdoses are accidents

What to do if you think someone is overdosing

It may be hard to tell whether a person is high or experiencing an overdose. If you aren’t sure, it’s best to treat the situation like an overdose–you could save a life.

1. Call 911 immediately.

2. Administer Naloxone or Narcan, if available.

3. Try to keep the person awake and breathing.

4. Lay the person on his or her side to prevent choking.

5. Stay with the person until emergency workers arrive.