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Single dose of Narcan may no longer be enough for new heroin cocktails

Posted at 12:22 PM, Aug 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-25 12:22:51-04

Narcan is a popular treatment for heroin overdoses, but it may not be enough for new drug concoctions. 

According to RTV6 sister station WCPO, the mixtures laced with fentanyl and carfentanil are so powerful that they resist the Narcan treatments.

Fentanyl is used as a surgical anesthetic. Carfentanil is used as a tranquilizer for large animals.

Many first responders use Narcan as an antidote for people who have overdosed.

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According to the assistant health commissioner of Hamilton County, Ohio, the carfentanil is so strong, that it takes two or even three doses to work.

Recently, police in Jennings County, Indiana used Narcan help 12 people who had overdosed in the area. One person died from the overdoses.

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