Get the Facts.
This page contains downloadable copies of each of the most important factsheets on fentanyl, from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other official organizations.
Nationwide Crisis:
Fake Pills & Fentanyl Seizures on the Rise
Fake pills are widely available across every state.
DEA and partners are seizing deadly fake pills at record rates.
Seizures reported in all 50 states and D.C.
Drug trafficking is linked with violence.
In 2022, DEA seized over 59.6 million fentanyl pills and 13,000+ pounds of fentanyl powder.
Visit DEA.gov for the latest updates on fentanyl seizures.
The Lethal Threat of Fake Pills on Social Media and E-commerce Platforms
Fake prescription pills, commonly laced with deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine, are often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms – making them available to anyone with a smartphone.
Fentanyl: DEA, DOJ
Drug Fact Sheet
U.S Department of Justice / DEA (October 2022)
“Fentanyl can be injected, snorted/sniffed, smoked, taken orally by pill or tablet, and spiked onto blotter paper. Illicitly produced fentanyl is sold alone or in combination with heroin and other substances and has been identified in fake pills, mimicking pharmaceutical drugs such as oxycodone.”
– U.S. DEA
The Growing Threat of Xylazine
“Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” is a veterinary tranquilizer that has been found in some illicit drug supplies. People often use xylazine without knowing it when it is added to other drugs, most frequently fentanyl. Xylazine can slow breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure to dangerously low levels. Overdose reversal medications do not reverse the effects of xylazine. Experts recommend that people give opioid overdose reversal medications to those experiencing symptoms of an overdose with suspected xylazine exposure, since opioids are often present with xylazine.”
"The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist." — U.S. DEA
U.S. Penny v.s. a Potentially Lethal Dose of Fentanyl
Comparison of a U.S. Penny to a Potentially Lethal Dose of Fentanyl // Photo illustration of 2 milligrams of fentanyl, a lethal dose in most people.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
Rainbow Fentanyl
“The Drug Enforcement Administration is advising the public of an alarming emerging trend of colorful fentanyl available across the United States. Since August 2022, DEA and our law enforcement partners seized brightly-colored fentanyl and fentanyl pills in 26 states.
“Dubbed “rainbow fentanyl” in the media, this trend appears to be a new method used by drug cartels to sell highly addictive and potentially deadly fentanyl made to look like candy to children and young people.
“Brightly-colored fentanyl is being seized in multiple forms, including pills, powder, and blocks that resembles sidewalk chalk. Despite claims that certain colors may be more potent than others, there is no indication through DEA’s laboratory testing that this is the case.
“Every color, shape, and size of fentanyl should be considered extremely dangerous.” - U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, August 30, 2022
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
Authentic Fentanyl, Lethal Dose
A potentially lethal volume of actual fentanyl is shown here in relation to the lead (graphite) of a No. 2 pencil.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
Faux (Fake) Fentanyl, Potentially Lethal Dose
This photograph shows a potentially lethal volume of fentanyl in relation to a U.S. Penny. (Unlike the penny photograph above which uses real fentanyl, this particular image shows faux, or fake, fentanyl.)
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
For 7 out of 10 pills, "Fake" Means Fatal.
"7 out of 10 Fentanyl-Laced Fake Prescription Pills Now Contain a Potentially Lethal Dose of Fentanyl."
— U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
