The European Union has decided to subject the new synthetic opioid furanylfentanyl to control measures throughout the EU.
In the study leading up the decision, a total of 29 serious adverse events associated with furanylfentanyl were reported by four member states (Estonia, Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom) and Norway: 10 acute intoxications and 19 deaths.
The decision of the Council, based on an initial proposal by the European Commission, was adopted in the final stage of the three-step legal procedure designed to respond to potentially threatening new psychoactive substances available on the market.
The substance in question has been raising health concerns in Europe after harmful effects related to its use were reported by the member states through the EU Early Warning System. Member states will have one year to introduce the controls into national legislation.