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Acetyl Fentanyl Overdose Fatalities — Rhode Island, March–May 2013
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Aug 30 2013
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Source: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2013; 62(34):703-704.
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Alternative Title:MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
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Description:In May 2013, the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories noticed an unusual pattern of toxicology results among 10 overdose deaths of suspected illicit drug users that had occurred during March 7-April 11, 2013. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for fentanyl in blood was positive for fentanyl in all 10 cases, but confirmatory gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) did not detect fentanyl. The mass spectrum was instead consistent with acetyl fentanyl, a fentanyl analog. Acetyl fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has not been documented in illicit drug use or overdose deaths, and is not available as a prescription drug anywhere. Animal studies suggest that acetyl fentanyl is up to five times more potent than heroin as an analgesic.
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Pubmed ID:23985500
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Pubmed Central ID:PMC4604997
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