The HSE has issued an alert after the powerful drug which led to the death of pop star Prince was implicated in the deaths of five people in Dublin and Cork in recent weeks.
The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office in the United States released a report earlier this year saying the singer died after taking a toxic amount of fentanyl, which can be up to 600 times more potent than morphine.
In a statement on Thursday night, the HSE said fentanyl had been implicated in the deaths of five individuals in the Republic where it had been assumed to be heroin or, in some cases, other drugs. The deaths appear to have occurred after users had either smoked or injected the drug.
A Garda spokesman said the force was aware of the cases and investigations were underway.
Fentanyl is a narcotic analgesic and used in both anaesthetics and for analgesia. Fentanyl may be sold as designer fentanyl or synthetic heroin, and the HSE noted that “even experienced heroin users” are at risk if they take the drug.
It is most likely fentanyls are sold in powder form, possibly mixed with heroin, or alternatively mixed with caffeine and paracetamol to mimic the effect of heroin. In that form, the drug can be snorted, swallowed or prepared for injection.
“By any route this drug is very dangerous,” said the HSE. “Fentanyls are extremely potent and even the smallest amount of the substance can cause overdose and death.
“Fentanyl may also be absorbed through the skin. The effects of the drug may be indistinguishable from heroin, meaning that at this time heroin users are most at risk to unwittingly consume this substance.”
For support around drug and alcohol use, the HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline is available Monday to Friday from 9.30am and 5.30pm. Information is also available ondrugs.ie.
