Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a warning about the reemergence of carfentanil, a potent opioid, in the state's unregulated drug supply. This development has been linked to 11 overdose deaths since January.

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid, approximately 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. It was initially developed for veterinary use with large animals and is not approved for human consumption.

"Carfentanil is an extremely potent and deadly drug," stated Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. She emphasized the importance of carrying naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal nasal spray, for those who use unregulated drugs and their loved ones. "Awareness and quick action can help save lives."

The recent deaths associated with carfentanil occurred across Ingham, Livingston, Eaton, Genesee, Oakland, and Wayne counties. None were attributed solely to carfentanil; ten individuals also tested positive for cocaine while fentanyl was present in eight cases.

Previously seen in Michigan during 2016 and 2017 with over 200 related deaths, carfentanil's presence declined significantly until zero cases were reported in 2021 and 2022. However, finalized data showed 14 deaths involving carfentanil in late 2023.

Provisional data from MDHHS indicates a projected reduction in overall overdose deaths from 2,931 in 2023 to approximately 1,927 in 2024. The reemergence of carfentanil poses a potential threat to this downward trend due to its potency which could lead to more overdoses even among individuals with high opioid tolerance.

MDHHS outlined several recommendations: carrying naloxone available through pharmacies without prescriptions or harm reduction agencies; using harm reduction strategies such as reducing intake amounts gradually; not using drugs alone; monitoring breathing patterns; following established guidelines when suspecting an opioid overdose by evaluating symptoms like unconsciousness or shallow breathing; calling emergency services promptly if needed along with administering naloxone where applicable.

The department will continue monitoring instances involving carfentanil-related overdoses while encouraging agencies aware of any such incidents since January this year to report them via email at MDHHS-MODASurveillance@Michigan.gov.

Further information regarding harm reduction agencies within Michigan offering life-saving services alongside strategies aimed at minimizing risks associated with drug usage can be found on their website under Harm Reduction and Syringe Service Programs.