The National Institute for the Defense of Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property (Indecopi), through its Consumer Alert System, reported that the General Directorate of Medicines, Supplies and Drugs (Digemid) issued a warning about new risks in the use of fentanyla synthetic opioid prescribed for the control of severe chronic pain.
The update responds to the Alert No. 136-2025informing the population about complications observed in users of medications that contain this substance, based on local and international reports.
He fentanyl It remains authorized as an analgesic and anesthetic under medical supervision, but the Digemid ordered the update of precautions after reviewing information from foreign authorities and reports from the National Center for Pharmacovigilance and Technovigilance (CENAFyT).
Identified risks include sleep problems, atypical increase in pain, drug interactions, and esophageal discomfort which can cause difficulty swallowing.
In addition, adverse effects have been recorded such as nausea, vomiting, dry mouth and stomach upset. The agency recommends that those who use fentanyl report any changes, especially unusual pain or discomfort when swallowingas well as inform the doctor about simultaneous consumption of other drugs.
He Indecopi encourages users to report adverse reactions through the NotiMed platform (https://vigiflow-eforms.who-umc.org/pe/sra).
Specialists warn that the use during pregnancy can have impacts on the newborn, and they reiterate the importance of strict medical surveillance in all scenarios.
The alert system directed by the Indecopi disseminates information provided by suppliers and regulatory authorities, to reinforce a preventive culture in the population against fentanyl medications.
Globally, the illicit fentanyl has contaminated drugs sold on the illegal market, posing risks even for those who have never had prior contact with prescribed opioids.
With two milligrams of pure fentanyl—about four grains of salt—an adult can experience a fatal overdose, according to the experience of foreign authorities.
He fentanyl It binds to receptors in the brain responsible for pain and emotions. It can cause anything from intense relief to euphoria, but in settings outside of medical practice, the risk of lethal effects is high.
Taking the example of countries where it is known as the “zombie drug”, the consequences include respiratory depression, confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and death. The superior potency of morphine and heroin, together with the ease of synthetic manufacture, has made this opioid a cause for global concern.
The signs of overdose understand slow breathing, confusion, bluish lips, and extreme sleepiness. If an overdose is suspected, specialists advise seeking medical help and administering naloxone as a temporary antidote in prehospital management.
He fentanyl It also creates dependence quickly, with marked withdrawal symptoms after stopping its use. Compulsive substance seeking often makes autonomous abandonment difficult and increases the risk of relapse. Health authorities insist on professional supervision to deal with consumption disorder and avoid complications.
