Ninth Fatality Linked to Fake Norco Painkillers: Public Health Officials

SACRAMENTO, CA: Nine people have died and close to 40 people have suffered from opioid-related overdoses linked to fake Norco pills over the last 10 days, Sacramento Department of Health officials said Friday.

According to a statement released by the health department, eight deaths in Sacramento County and one in Yolo County were reported since March 23 in connection with the counterfeit Norco pills officials say are likely laced with fentanyl.

Norco, which is a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone, is used to treat pain, officials explain. Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate analgesic also used for pain relief and is estimated to be 80 times more potent than morphine and hundreds of times more potent than heroin.

“Opioids purchased on the street are dangerous and may contain additional contaminants," public health officials said in a release Tuesday, “Fentanyl is odorless, and drugs contaminated with fentanyl cannot be easily distinguished from drugs that are not contaminated.”

The signs and symptoms of opioid overdose include unconsciousness or unresponsiveness, trouble breathing or cessation of breathing, bluish discoloration of skin, vomiting and pinpoint pupils, according to officials.

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• Sixth Fatality Linked to Tainted Norco Painkillers in Sacramento County: UPDATED

Law enforcement and public health officials are unsure of the source of the pills, but believe the deadly narcotics were possibly purchased illegally on the street.

Photo courtesy Sacramento Department of Health and Human Services