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Fentanyl, the drug responsible forÂ*hundreds of overdosesÂ*in the U.S. over the last several months, is expected to become an even bigger public health problem according to experts at a forum that took place July 28 in Philadelphia.
Because it is fifty times more powerful than morphine, fentanyl is easier to smuggle and more profitable to sell than heroin. Demand for the drug is on the rise, and fentanyl is particularly dangerous because of its potency. Even a small error in cutting the drug can result in death for the user.
TheÂ*Philadelphia forum was hosted by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and ONDCP speakers focused on stopping supply of and reducing demand for the drug, with no official discussion of overdose prevention. However, public health officials from cities that have been hard-hit by fentanyl brought up the issue in question and answer sessions. They highlighted the importance of naloxone, which can be administered to reverse the effects of opiate overdose. They also noted, however, that fentanyl presents a unique challenge because it is so potent--many people die of overdose before emergency medical services arrive on the scene, which heightens the importance of making sure drug users have access to naloxone and training to administer it.
As fentanyl becomes a bigger public health issue, DPA will explore a variety of strategies, such as establishing 911 immunity policies so people do not fear calling for help if a companion overdoses; increasing naloxone availability; and restricting access to the chemicals for manufacturing fentanyl, as ways to reduce the harmful impact of this drug in cities across the country.
http://www.nooked.com/news/itemtrack...0cfa23d61a516e

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