CDPH Warns Hospitals On Fentanyl

In response to a large number of drug overdoses and deaths recently reported in Sacramento County, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a health alert regarding use of the anesthetic drug fentanyl.

According to the agency, there were 48 reported overdoses within a recent 10-day period in Sacramento County, along with at least 10 overdose-related deaths. 

The CDPH has connected the overdoses to the illicit usage of a drug said to resemble the prescription opioid Norco, which normally contains acetaminophen and hydrocodone but in counterfeit form may actually contain fentanyl instead. CDPH has indicated it has received anecdotal evidence of overdoses and deaths in other counties in California. According to the Davis Enterprise, as many as 53 overdoses and 13 deaths are connected to counterfeit Norco sold in Sacramento and Yolo Counties since late March.

Under the CDPH directive, hospitals should test for the presence of fentanyl when suspected overdose patients are being treated; be aware that why naloxone can reverse an overdose of fentanyl but that it may require several doses over an extended period of time; and warn patients with a history of drug abuse about the current risk of using street drugs.

“These overdoses and deaths are tragic reminders that unless you receive a drug at a pharmacy, you shouldn’t take it,” said CDPH Director Karen Smith, M.D.

Fentanyl is used as a general anesthetic that can kill in small doses. It is best known as the drug that killed pop singer Michael Jackson in 2009, and is appearing more in counterfeit opioid prescription pills.