July 1, 2026 - The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has issued a public health advisory after identifying a new highly potent synthetic opioid through its Drug Checking Program in Upstate New York [Media Advisory Portal]. The substance was detected in combination with fentanyl and medetomidine, highlighting an increasingly dangerous trend in the illicit drug supply.
While the specific chemicals continue to evolve the public health message remains consistent that street drugs and counterfeit pills have become increasingly unpredictable and potentially deadly.
Counterfeit Pills Can Look Like Legitimate Medications
Many counterfeit pills are manufactured to resemble common prescription medications used for pain, anxiety, or attention disorders. They may appear identical to medications dispensed by a pharmacy but instead contain fentanyl or other highly potent synthetic opioids.
These substances cannot be identified by appearance, smell, or taste.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, laboratory testing found that 5 out of 10 fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills analyzed in 2024 contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. This is down from 7 out of 10 in 2023.
The safest choice is simple: Only take medications that are prescribed to you and dispensed by a licensed pharmacy. Never assume a pill obtained from a friend, purchased online, or bought on the street is genuine.
Left: Authentic oxycodone M30 tablets (top) vs. counterfeit oxycodone M30 tablets containing fentanyl (bottom). Center: Authentic Adderall tablets (top) vs. counterfeit Adderall tablets containing methamphetamine (bottom). Right: Authentic Xanax tablets (white) vs. counterfeit Xanax tablets containing fentanyl (yellow).
What This Means for Our Community
Although this advisory identifies a newly emerging synthetic opioid, communities throughout the nation continue to encounter overdoses involving multiple substances mixed together. These combinations can make overdoses more severe, may require an additional dose of naloxone, and can result in prolonged sedation even after naloxone is administered.
If someone is:
- Difficult to wake or unresponsive
- Breathing very slowly or not at all
- Has blue or gray lips or fingertips
Call 911 immediately. Administer naloxone if it is available, provide rescue breathing if needed, and remain with the person until EMS arrives.
Everyone Should Have Naloxone Available
Naloxone (Narcan®) is a safe medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. It has no effect on someone who has not taken opioids and bystanders can safely administer it while waiting for emergency responders.
Colonie EMS encourages every household to consider keeping naloxone available, just as many families keep a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, or automated external defibrillator (AED). You hope you never need it—but when you do, seconds matter.
Naloxone is available:
- Free kits are available from three public locations in the Town of Colonie.
- Free through many New York State or community distribution programs.
- Over the counter at most pharmacies without a prescription.
Need Naloxone?
Colonie EMS encourages the public to obtain a naloxone kit before an emergency occurs. Free naloxone kits are available for pickup at three public locations in the Town & training can be completed online. Additionally naloxone is available over the counter at most pharmacies or through the mail through NYS OASAS. If you have questions about overdose prevention or naloxone access, contact Colonie EMS or the Albany County Department of Health.
Prevention Is the Best Protection
The emergence of new synthetic opioids reinforces an important public safety message:
- Never take medications that are not prescribed to you.
- Never assume pills purchased online or from another person are legitimate.
- Keep naloxone readily available.
- Call 911 immediately for any suspected overdose.
Working together, we can reduce preventable overdose deaths and help keep our community safe.