Hidden Threats: Understanding Fentanyl Misuse and Toxicity

The use of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs has increased significantly in the past ten years due to the influx of illegal forms of fentanyl. The consumption of these drugs is a primary contributor to the current opioid crisis in the United States. Illegally manufactured fentanyl is widely available on the street, and it is a relatively common adulterant in heroin. Unfortunately, some of the beneficial pharmacologic properties of fentanyl, such as the rapid onset of action and its high potency relative to other opioids, also make it very dangerous when it is misused. Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals are tasked with identifying potential fentanyl misuse and may need to manage acute opioid toxicity in the clinical setting.