Killer fentanyl: is the fear justified?

Abstract

Background: Fentanyl-related deaths have created havoc with public health and safety, especially in the United States. With this increasingly apparent role as a drug of abuse in cases of overdose and death, the drug has acquired the reputation of 'killer fentanyl'. Is this fear justified?

Objective/methods: Information to clarify some of the present concerns regarding fentanyl abuse based on the review of the scientific literature in major databases and public sourced material available on the internet, followed by a quality assessment of reports.

Results/conclusion: The opioid drug, fentanyl, is involved in medical cases of complications, toxic effects, addiction, abuse, overdose and death in patients, as well as abuse among healthcare professionals. The increase of fentanyl abuse is a growing public health problem that may evolve into a global problem. However, abuse patterns of legally and illegally produced fentanyl have produced confusion because media reporters and public officials often ignore important differences in the origins of the drug itself and the people who abuse it. In the light of possible fatal and nonfatal side effects, the use of fentanyl should be reconsidered, especially in view of the new opioid drugs that are now available.