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Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. There are two types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical (prescribed) fentanyl and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Both are considered synthetic opioids.  

Most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous. Fentanyl mixed with any drug increases the likelihood of a fatal overdose.

Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is available on the drug market in different forms, including powder and liquid.

Powdered fentanyl can be mixed with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills that can resemble other prescription opioids. Liquid fentanyl can be mixed into nasal sprays or eye drops.

Rainbow Fentanyl 

Brightly-colored fentanyl, referred to as rainbow fentanyl, has been identified as a new trend in the United States by the DEA. The California Department of Public Health recently released an Alert on Rainbow Fentanyl.