Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opiate similar to, but more potent than morphine. It is typically used to treat patients with severe pain, often administered externally with skin patches.
Police have issued a warning about fentanyl patches being sold illegally in Lahti, noting that the prescription drug can be dangerous for recreational use and should only be used under medical supervision. They believe that two young adults have died from intravenous overdoses of the same drug over the past week.
According to police, rumours have been circulating in Lahti of the availability of an antidote to fentanyl overdoses. Medical officials say that the medication referred to is not effective.