Fentanyl Information
Why Fentanyl is High Risk
Fentanyl is often hidden in other substances or sold as something else entirely, increasing the risk of accidental overdose.
It has been found in:
- Powders (like cocaine)
- Capsules
- Pressed pills made to look like prescription medications (such as Xanax or Oxy/M30s)
- Other substances
As little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal. Many counterfeit pills contain more than twice that amount, even though the dose is nearly invisible to the eye.
Important: Any pill or drug not purchased directly from a pharmacy could contain fentanyl, even if it looks legitimate.
Fentanyl is also more common than many people realize.
- Colorado has seen a significant increase in fentanyl presence and overdoses.
- Nationally, fentanyl deaths are decreasing, and fentanyl remains the leading cause of death in the United States for ages 18-44.
- Nearly half of counterfeit pills tested by the DEA contain a potentially lethal dose.
Counterfeit pills can closely resemble real prescriptions, making it very difficult to tell the difference.
A lethal dose of heroin vs. a lethal dose of fentanyl
Ways to Reduce Risk and Stay Safer
While fentanyl can be deadly, there are steps you can take to reduce harm and protect yourself and your friends.
Please note: Because fentanyl is unpredictable, there is no way to fully eliminate overdose risk. These strategies can reduce risk but not remove it entirely.
Assume that any drug not purchased directly from a pharmacy may contain fentanyl, including:
- Illicit drugs (cocaine, heroin, meth, etc.)
- Pills sold as prescription medications (Xanax, Oxycodone, etc.)
Additionally, using substances alone increases overdose risk. If possible:
- Be with someone who is sober
- Have someone check in on you
- Keep naloxone nearby and make sure others know how to use it
Fentanyl is often unevenly mixed into drugs. One dose may be survivable, while the next may not be.
- Start with a very small amount
- Wait before using more
- Avoid re‑dosing quickly
If you’ve taken a break from using substances, your tolerance may be lower than before.
Lower tolerance increases overdose risk—especially with fentanyl. If you choose to use again, start with much less than you previously used.
Naloxone is an FDA‑approved medication that can temporarily reverse opioid overdoses.
- Commonly administered as a nasal spray
- May wear off quickly
- Multiple doses may be needed for fentanyl
Free naloxone is available to all CU Boulder students, staff and faculty at Health Promotion on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center.
Additionally, fentanyl test strips can help detect fentanyl, but they are not foolproof.
- A negative result does not guarantee safety.
- Fentanyl may be unevenly distributed—it may be in some parts of the drug and not others. Test all the drug that will be consumed.
- Unknown drugs other than fentanyl may still be present, including other opioids.
Common signs of opioid overdose include:
- Pinpoint (very small) pupils
- Shallow or stopped breathing
- Blue or gray lips or fingernails
- No response to sound or touch
- Gurgling or heavy snoring sounds
If an overdose is suspected:
- Try to wake the person and check for a response.
- Use a sternum rub (firm pressure with knuckles to the center of the chest).
If there is no response:
- Call 911
- Administer naloxone
- Start CPR if trained
- Stay with the person until help arrives
Naloxone will not harm someone who is not overdosing. When in doubt, use it.
Good news: CU’s Amnesty Policy and Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law can protect you from disciplinary action or prosecution if you call for help and stay with the person.