Deadly Opioid Reemerges In MI, 11 Dead So Far In 2025: Officials

MICHIGAN — Michigan health officials are warning residents about carfentanil, a potent opioid that has reemerged and is contributing to overdose deaths.

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is roughly 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, has been associated with 11 overdose deaths in Michigan since January, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Officials said carfentanil was developed for veterinary use with large animals and is not approved for use in humans.

"Carfentanil is an extremely potent and deadly drug," Chief Medical Executive Natasha Bagdasarian said. "We’re urging people who use unregulated drugs – and their loved ones – to carry naloxone, an easy to administer nasal spray that can reverse opioid overdoses and save lives. Awareness and quick action can help save lives."

Carfentanil was previously seen in Michigan in 2016 and 2017 when it contributed to 107 deaths in 2016 and 111 in 2017, officials said.

Carfentanil-related deaths then dropped to less than five over the next five years, before jumping up to 14 deaths in late 2023, officials said.

Now, health officials said there have been 11 carfentanil-related deaths between January and June. Those deaths happened in Ingham, Livingston, Eaton, Genesee, Oakland and Wayne counties, officials said.

However, officials said none of the deaths were positive for carfentanil alone. Ten of them also tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl was found in eight cases, officials said.

Officials are mostly concerned about carfentanil making its way back onto Michigan streets becuase:

• Its higher strength could lead to more overdoses and overdose-related deaths, even for people with a high tolerance for opioids.
• It quickly causes central nervous system depression, which can lead to rapid death.
• Its higher strength could require multiple doses of naloxone to be administered to reverse an overdose.
• It is increasingly found among overdose deaths that also include cocaine, methamphetamine and other stimulants. People may use these drugs and not be aware they could contain carfentanil.

Officials urged people to carry naloxone, which residents can request naloxone through the MDHHS or through a pharmacy.