Pink Fentanyl: Effects And Risks

Pink fentanyl is a novel synthetic opioid that is eight times stronger than heroin, and 50 times the potency of morphine. Its abuse potential is on par with heroin or fentanyl addiction.

The effects and risks of pink fentanyl, this new “designer” drug, are parallel to those of fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and similar synthetic opioids, and it can be deadly even in small doses.

Pink fentanyl, also known as U-47700 or “pink,” is referred to as a designer drug that is available in pill or powder form and can be legally purchased online.

Due to the rising number of fatal drug overdoses related to pink fentanyl addiction, it has been declared a threat to public health and safety and classified as a schedule I drug by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The Allure Of Designer Drugs

Designer drugs are rapidly proliferating on recreational drug markets, and young adults are predominantly targeted by manufacturers and distributors of novel synthetic opioids online.

Also known as “legal highs,” designer drugs are essentially synthetic analogs of controlled substances that imitate the pharmacologic and psychoactive effects, and often result in acute intoxication.

The appeal of novel synthetic drugs to young people is that they are marketed as legal and recreational, promoted on social media, and can be easily obtained online.

What Drugs Are Used To Make Pink Fentanyl?

Pink fentanyl puts consumers at high risk of an opioid overdose because of the unknown variety and quantity of synthetic opioids that are included in the chemical makeup of pink fentanyl.

Fentanyl

Contrary to what its name suggests, pink fentanyl is not technically a type of fentanyl because it does not always contain fentanyl, but it can be combined with fentanyl and other prescription or synthetic opioids.

There has also been an emergence of what is known as rainbow fentanyl, which is different colors of synthetic fentanyl being marketed as recreational designer drugs to teens and young adults.

Heroin

Pink fentanyl typically contains synthetic opioids such as heroin analogs. It is known to resemble heroin as a white or light pink powder with a chalk-like consistency.

It has been found by law enforcement packaged in plastic bags labeled with heroin logos but is eight times stronger than actual heroin.

Hydrocodone (Vicodin)

Hydrocodone, the generic pharmaceutical name for the brand Vicodin, is an opioid that is found in Norco, a brand name of a prescription analgesic and schedule II controlled substance per the DEA.

“Norco” has also been used as a street name for pills that contain fentanyl, hydrocodone, and various synthetic opioids, and has been involved in fatal opioid overdoses.

Oxycodone (Oxycontin)

Recent cases have emerged in Iowa of fake pain pills that resemble oxycodone (also known by the brand name Oxycontin) and contain lethal doses of fentanyl and U-47700 or pink fentanyl.

Carfentanil

Pink fentanyl and carfentanil are both synthetic analogs of fentanyl and have contributed to the increases in synthetic opioid overdoses that accounted for 82% of all opioid-related deaths in the United States.

Other Street Names For Pink Fentanyl

Pink fentanyl is also known by its most common drug street names, including pink, pinky, and pink heroin. U-4 is an abbreviation of drug U-47700, which is the chemical term for pink fentanyl.

U-47700 is a novel synthetic opioid agonist that was first created in the 1970s by Upjohn Pharmaceuticals. Chemists initially synthesized the highly potent analgesic for severe pain and major surgeries.

U-47700 has re-emerged on the recreational drug market as a “research chemical” and sells for approximately $30 per gram online.

Risk Factors Of Using Pink Fentanyl

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone can experience an overdose when they use any opioid, including synthetic opioids such as pink fentanyl.

However, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of an overdose, such as:

• sleep apnea
• compromised kidney or liver function
• being over the age of 65
• combining opioids with alcohol and other drugs
• taking high daily doses of opioids
• other existing health conditions

The risks of pink fentanyl and other novel synthetic opioid use are considered to be on par with other prescription and semi-synthetic opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and their analogs.

Risks include adverse and unexpected side effects, high abuse and addiction potential, drug interactions, drug overdoses, and related fatalities.

Unknown Drug Interactions

Fentanyl analogs, new psychoactive substances, and novel synthetic opioids such as pink fentanyl are known to have severe drug interactions with prescription medications.

Substances involved in poly-intoxication with pink fentanyl include:

• antidepressants
• antihistamines
• analgesics
• anesthetics
• antipsychotics
• benzodiazepines
• psychostimulants
• alcohol
• other prescription opioid drugs
• other prescription drugs

Unpredictable Side Effects

The side effects of pink fentanyl may vary depending on the potency, dosage, and purity. Polysubstance abuse can also influence the severity of side effects.

Besides euphoria, the other known side effects of pink fentanyl include:

• low blood pressure (hypotension)
• pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)
• reduced level of consciousness
• sedation
• itchiness
• nausea
• vomiting
• intestinal blockage or constipation

Increased Overdose Risk

Due to the unknown identity, quantity, and potency of synthetic opioids and other drugs in pink fentanyl, overdose risk is much more severe with the most dangerous illicit drug combinations.

Symptoms Of An Opioid-Related Overdose

An overdose involving pink fentanyl or any other synthetic or non-synthetic opioid involves specific symptoms related to the generalized side effects.

Opioid overdoses typically present the following symptoms:

• respiratory depression
• confusion
• loss of consciousness
• slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• pale and clammy skin
• choking or gurgling
• blue discoloration of the skin
• constricted pupils or “pinpoint pupils”

Preventing Overdose Deaths

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommends overdose prevention strategies that include primary prevention, harm reduction, evidence-based treatment, and recovery support.

Fentanyl Test Strips

One of the most effective harm reduction strategies is the clinical use of rapid-acting fentanyl test strips to identify the presence of fentanyl in a substance and prevent accidental overdoses.

Naloxone (Narcan)

An opioid overdose is an extremely time-sensitive matter that requires immediate medical attention to reverse the effects of pink fentanyl and other opioids and prevent overdose death.

Narcan is the brand name of naloxone, an opioid antagonist that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose by binding to opioid receptors and blocking the opioid’s effects.

Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment

Enabling access and reducing barriers to evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder is critical to prevent opioid-related overdoses and fatalities.

Effective addiction treatment can also help to improve social reintegration and functionality, and address mental and behavioral health issues that perpetuate the cycle of opioid use and drug addiction.

Find Substance Use Treatment Today

Opioid addiction takes a tremendous toll on physical and mental health, and many people find that they cannot recover on their own.

Professional treatment and support are available for anyone who wants to put their addiction behind them and live a fulfilling life of long-term recovery. Call our helpline to learn more.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff