DOH issues warning about rainbow fentanyl

Over the past several months, law enforcement and government officials, along with drug treatment centers and the Mat-Su Opioid Task Force have been working throughout the community to spread warnings about the dangers of fentanyl.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50-100 times stronger than morphine. Initially developed by pharmaceutical companies, Fentanyl was prescribed for pain management treatment of cancer patients and applied as a patch on the skin. The powerful opioid properties of fentanyl are added to heroin to increase its potency or disguised as highly potent heroin. As little as 2 milligrams can be lethal.

A new and particularly troubling form of fentanyl is now hitting the market and raising concerns in law enforcement and health officials. Rainbow fentanyl, a rainbow-colored version of the opioid, has been seen in many forms including pills that might look like candy and be attractive to children, teens, and young adults.

In a warning issued from the Alaska Department of Health officials stated that illicit/illegal rainbow fentanyl is becoming more common in some states, though to date, there has been none confirmed in Alaska.

“An overdose may be closer than you think. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl which is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect is found in a wide variety of forms, including pills, powder, rocks, and liquids, and is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine or counterfeit pills made to look like prescription drugs. Even a tiny amount of fentanyl can kill and it can be in drugs without you even knowing it. Fentanyl can be smoked, injected, or ingested. In liquid form, it can be found in nasal sprays, eye drops, and dropped onto paper or small candies.”

Gov. Mike Dunleavy shared the post on his Facebook page. During a May visit to True North Recovery in Wasilla, Dunleavy weighed in to address the surging Fentanyl crisis in Alaska, highlighting a simple message that one pill can kill.

At the time of his visit, Dunleavy issued a Community Threat Alert, which includes receiving and making available 11,000 Narcan kits to help people suffering an overdose. He also introduced legislation that makes knowingly dealing in Fentanyl that results in death a second-degree murder charge, along with stiffer penalties.

Michael Carson, Chairman of the Mat-Su Opioid Task Force, added that rainbow fentanyl has been taking the forms of candy, such as Sweet Tarts, and sidewalk chalk, things appealing to kids.

“This reminds (us) of vaping oils favored like candy, candy and bubble gum which caused lung problems. But, fentanyl will cause lungs to stop!,” he said.

Carson says he believes it’s only a matter of time before rainbow fentanyl will be seen in Alaska.

For more information about opioid prevention, visit the website, opioids.alaska.gov.