Officials are warning residents statewide about the reemergence of carfentanil in Michigan’s unregulated drug supply. Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that’s about 10,000 times stronger than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. It’s meant for large animal veterinary use only and is not safe for humans. From January through June of this year, 11 carfentanil-related deaths have been reported across Ingham, Livingston, Eaton, Genesee, Oakland, and Wayne counties. In almost all these cases, other substances, like cocaine and fentanyl were also present. Carfentanil was previously linked to over 100 deaths in both 2016 and 2017 in Michigan, but those numbers dropped significantly in recent years. Now, its return has experts concerned that overdose deaths could rise again. Health officials warn that even a tiny amount can cause rapid overdose and death, and it may take multiple doses of naloxone to reverse its effects. Carfentanil is often mixed with drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine, so users may not realize they’re taking it.

The state health department is actively monitoring carfentanil cases and urges anyone with information about recent overdoses to contact MDHHS.