There has been a recent case of Carfentanil (also known as Carfentanyl) detected by Queensland Police Service on the Sunshine Coast in South-East Queensland.

Carfentanil is a potent opioid and fentanyl analogue that is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times stronger than fentanyl, it can be more potent than nitazenes.

Small exposures can produce rapid and extreme opioid effects including overdose. A dose of Carfentanil as small as half a grain of salt can lead to a lethal overdose. It was originally developed as a tranquilizer for large animals such as elephants.

The appearance of the sample is a fine, white, fluffy powder.

Toxic Effects

The toxic effects of Carfentanil are similar to other potent synthetic opioids and include:

• Extreme drowsiness or the person may even be impossible to wake (‘on the nod’)
• Small (‘pin point’) pupils
• Low blood pressure
• Slowed or obstructed breathing and heart rate
• Respiratory failure can lead to death
• Blue or purple coloured skin (cyanosis), usually starting on lips and fingers
• A drop of body temperature to below 35 degrees

These effects should respond to naloxone, and it should be used if available. Multiple doses may be needed to reverse an overdose of Carfentanil – see more information on accessing naloxone below

Information and Advice

Queensland Health advises that if you or someone you know suspects you have this powder, do not consume instead dispose of it safely. Seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know experiences any toxic effects following drug use.

Harm reduction information

Naloxone is available for free from registered pharmacies and services through the national Take Home Naloxone program. Use this link to find your closest site participating in the program Take Home Naloxone (THN) Program Participating Site Locator (arcgis.com)

Fentanyl test strips have significant limitations as they do not detect all analogues of fentanyl or distinguish between types of fentanyl and other active ingredients that may be present.

For Help

• Call Triple Zero (000) for emergency assistance
• Go to your nearest emergency department
• Call the Queensland Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26)
• Adis 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Support (1800 177 933 or www.adis.health.qld.gov.au)
• Peer Qnect confidential telephone peer support (1800 175 889)