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Glossary

Fentanyl

Also known as: Synthetic opioid, fent

Medically reviewed, last updated

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50-100x more potent than morphine. Used medically for severe pain (surgery, cancer). Illicit fentanyl has contaminated most of the US street drug supply since 2015, causing the majority of US overdose deaths. A lethal dose can be as small as 2 mg.

Black-American overdose mortality has risen faster than white-American mortality since 2019, with fentanyl as the primary driver. Fentanyl test strips (FTS) detect fentanyl contamination in other drugs and are legal in most states. See naloxone.

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Medical Disclaimer

This glossary entry is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition.