Umatilla County Issues Warning as Overdose Cases Linked to FYL and XYL Rise
Umatilla County Public Health (UCPH) issued a warning on November 26 due to an alarming rise in opioid overdoses, particularly involving FYL and its analogs. This uptick has caused increased emergency room visits and a higher demand for emergency medical services.
Joseph Fiumara, the public health director for UCPH, mentioned that while exact numbers are unavailable, anecdotal reports from medical professionals suggest a growing issue. He noted that combining these reports with data from local partners helps assess the situation.
Since 2017, FYL and its analogs have become the dominant opioid threat in the county. Recent reports from the Oregon Health Authority highlight a steep increase in overdose deaths, from 956 in 2022 to 1,416 in 2023, with 392 reported in 2024 so far.
FYL is often sold as counterfeit pills resembling oxycodone or as a powder that can look like other drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine. It’s also being mixed into other illicit substances such as methamphetamine, heroin, or cocaine. UCPH has also reported the presence of carfentanil, a potent FYL analog used as a tranquilizer for large animals.
Carfentanil is approximately 100 times more potent than FYL and 10,000 times stronger than morphine. It has no medical use for humans and is not approved for any purpose outside of veterinary care. Like FYL, it can be sold as counterfeit pills or mixed into other substances, contributing to the rising overdose risk.
UCPH is urging both the public and medical professionals to stay vigilant about the increased presence of these dangerous substances. People using recreational drugs, those with substance use disorders, and even casual drug users are at heightened risk, as many illicit drugs are unknowingly laced with potent opioids like FYL and XYL.
The agency stresses that there is no safe way to use illicit opioids. Abstaining from drug use is the only way to eliminate the risk of overdose. UCPH encourages individuals to consider treatment options and seek support when they’re ready to pursue recovery. Local resources are available through the Oregon Recovers website, or individuals can reach out to the SAMHSA National Helpline at 800-662-4357.
If using drugs, the public is advised to never use substances alone. For those unable to avoid drug use, it's important to make safety plans, including informing someone trusted about their intentions and arranging for regular check-ins. The 24/7 Never Use Alone hotline (877-696-1996) is available for assistance.
In case of an overdose, UCPH urges people to immediately call 911. As illicit drugs are unpredictable, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention. While Naloxone can reverse opioid overdoses, it’s essential to continue monitoring the individual as Naloxone wears off and the risk of overdose may return. Individuals should wait 2-3 minutes between doses and only administer additional Naloxone until the person begins breathing on their own.
Naloxone can be accessed at the Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living, COPES, and UCPH, as well as through Project Red. It can also be purchased at local pharmacies.
The warning also stresses the importance of knowing one's tolerance and using less, particularly for those who haven't used opioids in a while or have never used them before.
Source: Hermiston Herald