What Does Fentanyl Look Like?

Fentanyl is perhaps the most dangerous drug that is contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis. Originally developed for pain management in cancer patients, fentanyl is now often illicitly manufactured and sold, and its potency is often strong enough to be fatal when just 3 milligrams of it are used. If you are worried that a loved one might be using fentanyl, you’ll want to know what to look for, so you can get them help as soon as possible if you do identify it.

What Forms Does Fentanyl Take?

Fentanyl can appear in several forms, with the most common being:

• Pills
• Powder
• Liquid

The most common/popular pill form of fentanyl is sometimes called the “Percocet 30” pill, which looks like a small, blue, and circular pill stamped with “30” on one side and an “M” in a square on the other; the “30” side is often divided in half by an indented line, too. If you find a blue pill resembling this description, it is almost certainly fentanyl, so please use caution and protective gear like gloves and watertight bags when handling or disposing of it.

Challenges in Identifying Fentanyl

According to the California Department of Public Health, fentanyl in its processed form “cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted.” The untraceable nature of processed fentanyl makes it very difficult to identify when it is not in its popular blue pill form, especially because its other final product forms usually look similar to other opioids.

In powder form, which is nearly as popular as “Percocet 30” pills, fentanyl closely resembles powdered cocaine. In pill form, it can mimic prescription medications such as oxycodone or hydrocodone. The situation is further complicated by the fact that fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs without the user's knowledge, making it entirely invisible to anything but a chemical analysis.

Signs of Fentanyl Use

Recognizing the signs of fentanyl use can be lifesaving. Physically, someone on fentanyl may show signs of extreme drowsiness, confusion, constricted pupils, and difficulty breathing. Behaviorally, they might display unusual mood swings, withdrawal from social interactions, or neglect of responsibilities.

You can also look for strips or patches of tin foil that look like they have been burned in line patterns, much like a grill line. Pilled fentanyl is often crushed and smoked on small pieces of tin foil. If you find small pieces of tin foil that look like they have been burned, it is very likely a sign of fentanyl use. The same is true if you find a writing pen casing that has been cut and has brown or black residue inside of it, it is likely a sign that this object was used to inhale fentanyl.

Taking Action with Professional Rehab

If you suspect a loved one is using fentanyl, it's important to act with both urgency and compassion. Begin by having an open and non-judgmental conversation with them about your concerns. You may wish to prepare by compiling easily interpreted data about the dangers of fentanyl, such as its potency that can kill at just 3 milligrams, which is less than a drop of water. Encourage them to seek professional help, as overcoming addiction often requires medical and psychological support, especially for detox that mitigates withdrawal symptoms.