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Fentanyl

Potent synthetic opioid for pain management and sedation.

Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is primarily used for pain management and sedation. It is significantly more potent than heroin and morphine. Fentanyl's adverse effects include addiction, respiratory depression, and even death. Naloxone can reverse its effects. Fentanyl was first synthesized in 1959 and approved for medical use in 1968. It is widely used in medicine and is on the WHO's List of Essential Medicines. However, fentanyl has contributed to a significant increase in synthetic opioid overdose deaths in the US, surpassing heroin-related deaths. Its high potency and ease of production have made it a major concern in the ongoing opioid crisis.

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Timeline

1957
Synthetic substances with morphine-like effect
In 1957, Eddy NB and Halbach H conducted a study on synthetic substances that have morphine-like effects. The study focused on the potency, side-effects, and addiction liability of these substances.
1959
Development of Fentanyl by Dr. Paul Janssen
Fentanyl was first created and developed by Dr. Paul Janssen in 1959 under a patent held by his company Janssen Pharmaceutica. It is a powerful analgesic that is nearly a hundred times more potent than morphine.
1960
Fentanyl first synthesised
In 1960, Dr. Paul Janssen, a Belgian chemist and founder of Janssen Pharmaceutica, synthesised fentanyl. It was a significant breakthrough in pain management as fentanyl was around 100 times more powerful than morphine.
1968
Introduction of Fentanyl Citrate
Fentanyl citrate, the salt formed by combining fentanyl and citric acid, entered medical use as a general anaesthetic in 1968. It was manufactured by McNeil Laboratories under the trade name Sublimaze.
1972
Contractile responses to morphine, piritramide, meperidine, and fentanyl: a comparative study of effects on the isolated ventricular myocardium
Strauer BE conducted a comparative study in 1972 on the contractile responses of morphine, piritramide, meperidine, and fentanyl on the isolated ventricular myocardium. The research aimed to compare the effects of these substances on cardiac muscle contraction.
1974
Cardiovascular effects of high dosages of fentanyl, meperidine, and naloxone in dogs
In 1974, Freye E examined the cardiovascular effects of administering high dosages of fentanyl, meperidine, and naloxone in dogs. The study aimed to understand the impact of these substances on the cardiovascular system.
1975
Myocardial sparing effect of fentanyl during halothane anesthesia in dogs
In 1975, a study observed the myocardial sparing effect of fentanyl when used during halothane anesthesia in dogs. The research aimed to understand how fentanyl could potentially protect the heart muscle during anesthesia.
1976
Cardiovascular dynamics study after large doses of fentanyl in dogs
A study conducted in 1976 examined the cardiovascular dynamics in dogs after administering large doses of fentanyl and fentanyl plus N2O. The research focused on the effects of these substances on the cardiovascular system.
1977
Cardiovascular effects of nitrous oxide during meperidine infusion in the dog
Stanley TH, Bidwai AV, Lunn JK, and Hodges MR investigated the cardiovascular effects of nitrous oxide when combined with meperidine infusion in dogs in 1977. The study focused on the interaction between nitrous oxide and meperidine on the cardiovascular system.
1979
High dose fentanyl anesthesia for coronary artery surgery
A study in 1979 investigated the use of high dose fentanyl anesthesia for coronary artery surgery. The research focused on the plasma fentanyl concentration and the influence of nitrous oxide on cardiovascular responses during the procedure.
1980
Plasma catecholamine and cortisol responses to fentanyl-oxygen anesthesia for coronary-artery operations
A study conducted in 1980 examined the plasma catecholamine and cortisol responses to fentanyl-oxygen anesthesia for coronary-artery operations. The research focused on the hormonal responses induced by fentanyl anesthesia during the surgical procedure.
1981
Effects of high dose fentanyl anesthesia on the electroencephalogram
In 1981, a study investigated the effects of high dose fentanyl anesthesia on the electroencephalogram. The research aimed to understand the impact of fentanyl anesthesia on brain activity as reflected in the EEG.
1982
Comparison of sufentanil-O2 and fentanyl-O2 for coronary artery surgery
A study in 1982 compared the use of sufentanil-O2 and fentanyl-O2 for coronary artery surgery. The research aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these two anesthesia methods for the surgical procedure.
1992-04
Publication of 'The history and development of the fentanyl series'
In April 1992, the article 'The history and development of the fentanyl series' was published, discussing the significant role of opioid analgesics like fentanyl, sufentanil, and alfentanil in anesthetic practice.
1998-11
Approval of Actiq (fentanyl)
Actiq was the first pain medicine approved to treat cancer breakthrough pain, but it raised safety concerns due to its resemblance to a lollipop, leading to a restricted distribution program to prevent accidental exposure in children and potential abuse. It later became part of the category of opioids known as transmucosal immediate-release fentanyl products.
2002
Moscow Theater Hostage Crisis
During the Moscow theater hostage crisis in 2002, Russian Spetsnaz security forces are suspected to have used a fentanyl derivative to incapacitate individuals. The gas based on fentanyl led to casualties among the hostages.
2003-09-25
Death of Anthony Durante
American professional wrestler Anthony Durante, also known as 'Pitbull #2', died from a fentanyl-induced overdose.
2005-06
Off-label Prescription of Actiq Lollipop
Between June 2005 and October 2006, more than 80% of patients using Actiq lollipop were prescribed 'off-label', meaning they did not have cancer as the intended condition for the drug.
2006
FDA investigation on respiratory deaths related to fentanyl
In 2006, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated an investigation into several respiratory deaths associated with fentanyl use.
2011-01
Abstral (fentanyl) Approval
Abstral, a fentanyl product, was approved as the fourth TIRF product with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) in place.
2011-06
Lazanda (fentanyl) Approval
Lazanda, a fentanyl product, was approved as the fifth TIRF product with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) in place.
2012-04
Children's deaths from accidental exposure to fentanyl skin patches
In April 2012, the FDA reported that twelve young children had died and twelve more had become seriously ill due to separate accidental exposures to fentanyl skin patches.
2014-07
MHRA warning on transdermal fentanyl patches
In July 2014, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of the UK issued a warning about the potential for life-threatening harm from accidental exposure to transdermal fentanyl patches, particularly in children. They advised that the patches should be folded with the adhesive side in before being discarded to prevent harm.
2015-10
Initial HAN Advisory on Fentanyl Misuse
In October 2015, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control issued an initial Health Alert Network Advisory warning about the misuse and fatal overdose risks associated with fentanyl.
2016-04-21
Death of Prince
Musician Prince accidentally overdosed on fentanyl, among other substances, as concluded by medical examiners.
2017-03-06
Concerns about Fentanyl Abuse
In 2017, there were growing concerns about the abuse of fentanyl, with many attributing it to the drug being highly addictive and causing numerous deaths. The issue of fentanyl abuse raised questions about the ethical implications of its creation.
2017-11-15
Death of Lil Peep
American rapper Lil Peep died of an accidental fentanyl overdose.
2018-01-19
Death of Tom Petty
Musician Tom Petty died from an accidental drug overdose that included fentanyl among other medications.
2018-09-07
Death of Mac Miller
American rapper Mac Miller died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol.
2019-02-02
Record Fentanyl Seizure in Nogales, Arizona
On 2 February 2019, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 254 pounds of fentanyl, valued at US$3.5M, hidden in a truck transporting cucumbers in Nogales, Arizona. This was a significant interception of illicit fentanyl entering the country.
2019-05-28
Fentanyl's Role in Medical Treatment
In 2019, fentanyl continues to play a significant role in medical treatment, especially for terminal and chronic pain patients. Despite its benefits, the drug has also been misused and abused, leading to serious consequences.
2020-01-31
Rise in Overdose Deaths Involving Opioids
During the 12 months-ending January 31, 2020, overdose deaths involving opioids increased by 38.1 percent in the United States.
2020-08-20
Death of Justin Townes Earle
American singer, songwriter, and musician Justin Townes Earle died from an accidental overdose caused by cocaine laced with fentanyl.
2020-08-24
Death of Riley Gale
Riley Gale, frontman for the Texas metal band Power Trip, died as a result of the toxic effects of fentanyl in an accidental manner.
2021-01-31
Increase in Overdose Deaths Involving Synthetic Opioids
In the 12 months-ending January 31, 2021, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl, rose by 55.6 percent, contributing significantly to the overall rise in drug overdose deaths.
2021-04-22
Death of Shock G
Digital Underground frontman Shock G died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl, meth, and alcohol.
2021-09-06
Death of Michael K. Williams
Actor Michael K. Williams, known for his role as Omar Little on The Wire, died from an overdose of fentanyl, parafluorofentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.
2022-09-28
Death of Coolio
Rapper Coolio died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine.
2023-07-31
Death of Angus Cloud
Angus Cloud, known for his role as Fezco on Euphoria, died from an accidental overdose of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and benzodiazepines.
2023-09-15
Infant Death in The Bronx
An infant died at a daycare center in The Bronx, New York City, due to fentanyl contamination, causing sickness in other children.
2024-03-22
Murder Case Involving Fentanyl
Mark D'Wit was sentenced to a minimum of 37 years imprisonment for murdering individuals by giving them drinks laced with fentanyl.
End of the Timeline
Fentanyl

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