‘Super-drug’ 10 times stronger than fentanyl linked to deaths across multiple states
While some people seek out cychlorphine for its potency, others may ingest it unknowingly when it is mixed into other substances.
“Sometimes, by talking about how potent some of these substances are, we increase the allure of them for some addicts, unfortunately,” Kardaras said.
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While cychlorphine is primarily a street drug, it can also be purchased online or via “boutique designer-drug markets,” according to the expert.
Cychlorphine can cause a fatal overdose in anyone, regardless of age. Kardaras said younger people may face greater exposure because some are more likely to experiment with drugs or purchase counterfeit pills.
While some people seek out cychlorphine for its potency, others may ingest it unknowingly when it is mixed into other substances. (iStock)
“They’re buying something online … and all of a sudden, without knowing it, they’re ingesting fentanyl or another synthetic opioid,” he said.
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Naloxone, commonly sold under the brand name Narcan, can reverse cychlorphine’s opioid effects, but multiple or prolonged doses may be needed.
“What used to take one or two doses of Narcan to reverse an overdose may now require five or six doses, based on anecdotal evidence,” Kardaras said.
Another major concern with cychlorphine is that standard fentanyl test strips and routine hospital opioid urine screens do not detect it. (iStock)
The DEA advises people to administer naloxone immediately, call 911 and be prepared to give additional doses.
Another major concern with cychlorphine is that standard fentanyl test strips and routine hospital opioid urine screens do not detect it.
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“Most drug tests have very specific chemical structures that they detect in any kind of synthetic or non-synthetic drug, and this new one hasn’t quite been baked into the current testing strips,” Kardaras noted.
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The takeaway, he said, is that cychlorphine may be up to 10 times more potent than fentanyl, is not detected by standard fentanyl test strips or routine hospital opioid urine screens, and may require multiple doses of naloxone to reverse.
“So it’s a triple whammy,” he said. “It’s a constant battle of keeping up with the latest iterations of new drugs.”
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/super-drug-10-times-stronger-fentanyl-linked-deaths-multiple-states