The Alaska Department of Public Safety is warning of counterfeit Oxycodone pills in circulation in Alaska. The department received reports of several overdoses last week, linked to light blue, round tablets with an M30 marking, that appear to be 30-milligram Oxycodone pills. The State Crime Detection Laboratory analyzed the pills and found the primary component is fentanyl, which is far more potent.
A lethal dose of fentanyl is estimated to be only about 2 milligrams, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Too much of any opioid, including Oxy, fentanyl or heroin, affects parts of the brain that control breathing. As a result, breathing can become very slow or can stop. Symptoms of an overdose include failure to wake up or respond, slow or no breathing, constricted pupils or blue fingernails or lips. Call 911 immediately and administer an overdose treatment, such as Narcan. Narcan kits and training on their use are available to the public from the Kenai Public Health Center.
Fentanyl can be absorbed by the skin, so the Department of Public Safety cautions against handing the pills, if found. Call police or troopers immediately.
