The painkiller is said to be up to 100 times stronger than morphine and is entering UK markets.
Image caption
The rise in the number of deaths in the UK is being driven by fentanyl being added to heroin, a report saysDeaths related to Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid considered to be 50 times more potent than heroin, rose from eight in 2008 to 135 in 2017,The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs said the government should introduce controls to tackle the"emerging threat" the painkiller poses.
The ACMD said a rise in the number of deaths in the UK is being driven by fentanyl being added to heroin.Synthetic opioids have been linked toThe ACMD, which advises ministers on drugs policy, said fentanyl-related deaths have risen in the UK despite the fact it is an illegal Class A substance.Fentanyl is an extremely strong painkiller, prescribed for severe chronic pain, or breakthrough pain which does not respond to regular painkillers.
It is an opioid painkiller which means it works by mimicking the body's natural painkillers, called endorphins, which block pain messages to the brain.Typical symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include slow and difficult breathing, nausea and vomiting, dizziness and increased blood pressure.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
UK economy starting 2020 in ‘stagnation’ and uncertainty, report warnsBoris Johnson must use his massive majority to take ‘big decisions’ to support business
Read more »
Climate crisis fuels year of record temperatures in UK, says Met OfficeGlobal heating blamed as summer and winter records tumble in 2019
Read more »
UK house price growth tops 1% for first time in a yearAverage price in December was £215,282 with London weakest performer, says Nationwide
Read more »
What to see this week in the UKFrom Little Women to Northern Ballet, here’s our pick of the best films, concerts, exhibitions, theatre and dance over the next seven days
Read more »
UK tour firm used by teenager in gang rape case ends trips to Ayia NapaSummer Takeover’s move comes amid anger over her treatment by Cyprus authorities
Read more »
All the UK gyms that offer free gym passesBecause free exercise is much better than any other kind of exercise.
Read more »