Rise in fentanyl-related overdoses is ‘a troubling reality’

Recent data show that fentanyl-related overdoses are increasing in the United States, and the issue “demands our immediate attention and a comprehensive approach,” an expert said.

During a 12-month period ending in January 2022, there were 107,372 deaths in the U.S. from drug overdoses and poisoning, with 67% of those deaths involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

“We’re facing a troubling reality — fentanyl-related overdoses are becoming an all-too-common tragedy among our youth,” Anita Gupta, DO, PharmD, MPP, an adjunct assistant professor of anesthesiology and critical care medicine and pain medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a member of Healio Primary Care's Peer Perspective Board, told Healio. “We need to stress the importance of educating youths about the risks associated with fentanyl. This includes discussing the signs of a potential overdose and the importance of avoiding any contact with unknown substances.”

Naloxone has become readily available and “can be the difference between life and death,” Gupta said. However, many patients do not use it properly, highlighting the importance of education and awareness.

“The importance of proper use can save lives and reverse the effects of a drug overdose,” she said.

Gupta added that youth also need to understand the value of “precautionary measures like testing substances.”

“Creating a safe space where youth feel comfortable discussing their struggles is vital,” she said. “We want them to know that seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness, but a courageous step towards healing. Promoting healthy habits, coping strategies and stress management early on may help mitigate drug use during difficult times. The importance of guiding youths with positive role models can help them make healthy choices and understand the potential long-term consequences of fentanyl use, both in terms of health effects and legal consequences.”

In observance of National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, held on Aug. 21, Healio compiled ten stories from the past year on trends in fentanyl-involved deaths, initiatives to reduce fentanyl misuse, how primary care physicians can help manage opioid use disorder treatment and more.

FDA approves over-the-counter Narcan nasal spray for opioid overdoses

The FDA approved 4 mg Narcan nasal spray for over-the-counter use as an emergency treatment for opioid overdose. It is the first naloxone product to be available without a prescription. Read more.

Overdose deaths from fentanyl laced with xylazine jumped 276% in just 3 years

The number of overdose deaths attributable to illegally manufactured fentanyl laced with xylazine has skyrocketed in recent years. Read more.

Buprenorphine initiation in ED safe, effective among patients with OUD who use fentanyl

Initiating buprenorphine in the ED to patients with opioid use disorder was safe, with fewer than 1% of patients experiencing precipitated withdrawal despite a high prevalence of fentanyl use. Read more.

Fentanyl-involved deaths increase 182% among adolescents, study finds

Deaths involving fentanyl in people aged 10 to 19 years increased by 182% from 2019 to 2021. Read more.

Tips for starting medication in patients with opioid use disorder

“Now more than ever,” physicians need to manage opioid use disorder with pharmacological treatment in the primary care setting, according to a speaker at the ACP Internal Medicine Meeting. Read more.

Biden administration designates fentanyl laced with xylazine an ‘emerging threat’

The Biden administration has declared fentanyl laced or associated with xylazine as an “emerging threat” to the United States. Read more.

Drug overdose deaths in 2020 highlight racial disparities

There were more drug overdose deaths in 2020 than anticipated based on trends from 2013 to 2019, with more fatalities among Black people compared with white people. Read more.

Three ways pediatricians can tackle the opioid epidemic head on

There are three ways a primary care pediatrician can tackle the opioid epidemic head on, according to an expert on addiction in young people. Read more.

Patients seeking opioid use treatment increasingly test positive for illicit drug co-use

From 2017 to 2021, people seeking treatment for opioid use disorder increasingly tested positive for fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine at presentation. Read more.

Minnesota sees 400% increase in illicit fentanyl since 2019

Illicit fentanyl positivity in patient samples from substance use disorder treatment practices in Minnesota increased by 400% during the first half of 2022 compared with 2019. Read more.

Reference:

• Fentanyl awareness. https://www.dea.gov/fentanylawareness. Accessed Aug. 16, 2023.