WHY IS FENTANYL SO DANGEROUS?

Fentanyl is fast-acting and very strong. It's also fairly cheap and easy to make. That's why it's often used as a filler in fake prescription pills or street drugs. If you use street drugs or fake pills, you may take fentanyl without knowing it. This could quickly lead to a deadly overdose.

Be careful about the medicines you take. Only take medicines that were prescribed for you and that come from licensed pharmacies. Avoid pills sold through social media or apps. Products sold online as medicines like Adderall, OxyContin, or Xanax are often fakes. And many are tainted with fentanyl.

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF SOMEONE HAS OVERDOSED?

• If you have naloxone, give it as quickly as possible. This medicine can reverse the effects of an overdose if it's given soon enough after an overdose. Follow the instructions that come with the medicine. You may need to give a second dose. (You can give naloxone even if you're not sure the person has overdosed. It won't hurt them.)

• Call 911 or other emergency services right away. Stay with the person until help arrives.

• Try to keep the person awake and breathing. Perform rescue breathing if needed.

• Place the person on their side. This can help prevent choking and help them breathe.