The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is warning Iowans about counterfeit pain pills, sold by drug dealers that are potentially deadly.
Dr. Ed Bottei of the Iowa Poison Control Center says the synthetic opiod, looks like oxycodone, but contains more powerful synthetics including fentanyl and U-47700, also known as "Pink."
State investigators have also found the synthetic drugs, mixed with synthetic marijuana.
He says the concern is the drugs are powerful and can cause overdose and death if someone uses them.
Dr. Bottei says if you're getting your pain killers through a licensed pharmacy, it's not an issue, these counterfeit drugs are sold by street-dealers.
He advises health care providers, the antidote for opiates, will work with the more potent drugs, but larger doses may be made to see an effect.
The Iowa Department of Public Health, Public Safety, Governor's Office on Drug Control Policy, and the Iowa Poison Control Center, have issued a joint statement on this issue.
“As the DEA warns, counterfeit pills like those found in Iowa that are not prescribed or dispensed by healthcare professionals may contain deadly amounts of fentanyls or other synthetic opioids. Because some illicit synthetic opioids can be highly lethal when touched or inhaled, Iowans are cautioned against handling or using prescription medicine, or anything resembling prescription medicine, if it’s not issued by an authorized health care provider. This warning also applies to law enforcement officers and other first responders who may come in contact with counterfeit drugs. Iowans are urged to talk with children about safe use of medicines, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement. Recent cases are under investigation. Importantly, there is no cause for Iowans to be alarmed about prescription medicine obtained from licensed prescribers and pharmacies.”