Fentanyl Found In Illicit Oxycodone Pills In Cuyahoga County

CLEVELAND — Fentanyl has been found in pills disguised as Oxycodone, Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson announced. There is now a heightened possibility of fatal overdoses.

“This is a cause for major concern. Fentanyl is a far more toxic drug than Oxycodone and may have deadly consequences for the person who unwittingly uses it,” said Gilson in a statement. “Ideally, not using drugs will eliminate the problem, but harm reduction practices like not using alone and having Naloxone available can save lives.”

The far deadlier fentanyl has been found in 30mg Oxycodone tablets, Gilson said. Oxycodone comes in a variety of forms including OxyContin, Roxicodone, and Percocet (Oxycodone and Acetaminophen).

Anytime someone consumes illegal drugs, there is risk. It is impossible to know if illicit drugs have been tampered with or are tainted.

Project DAWN provides free Naloxone kits, the opioid reversing antidote, to eligible program participants. To get more information, call 216-778-5677.

There is also a 24-hour crisis hotline for anyone battling addiction or mental health problems. To access the hotline, call 216-623-6888.

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Photo from Cuyahoga County