The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services or MDHHS, is warning Michigan residents about carfentanil. It’s a potent fentanyl alteration that’s reemerging in the unregulated drug supply and contributing to overdose deaths.
Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid. It is approximately 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Carfentanil was developed for veterinary use with large animals and is not approved for use in humans.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive, says in a news release, quote, “Carfentanil is an extremely potent and deadly drug,” adding “We’re urging people who use unregulated drugs – and their loved ones – to carry naloxone, an easy to administer nasal spray that can reverse opioid overdoses and save lives.” End quote.
Between January and June 2025, 11 deaths involving carfentanil were identified.
MDHHS is urging the following actions like carrying naloxone. Using harm reduction strategies to lessen the risk of overdose and calling 911, among other actions.
MDHHS says it will continue monitoring for carfentanil among overdose deaths and will share additional information as it becomes available.
