Fentanyl is a controlled substance that has contributed significantly to the opioid epidemic in and outside of the United States. Every year, around 50,000 people in the U.S. die from opioid overdose. Nearly half of these overdoses are from Fentanyl.
Fentanyl is even stronger than other potent opioids like Morphine. The addictiveness of the drug explains why so many develop Fentanyl addiction and why Fentanyl overdoses are so common. In medicine, only extremely controlled and monitored doses of Fentanyl are prescribed, predominantly to patients with cancer or patients undergoing extensive surgery.
Fentanyl is prescribed as a last resort. The reality is that the likelihood of addiction is high when such a potent drug is introduced. For more information on Fentanyl, including the answer to “how long does fentanyl stay in your system?” continue reading below.
Answering “how long does fentanyl stay in your system?”
The length of time that Fentanyl remains in one’s system depends on factors that are specific to the individual and the characteristics of the drug.
Individual factors include:
- body mass
- metabolism
- frequency of drug use
- history of drug use
- hydration levels
- level of physical activity
- drug tolerance level
Drug-specific factors include:
- the dosage taken
- the type of drug consumed (prescription or street drugs, injectables, patches, tablets, nasal sprays, powders, etc.)
- how the drug was consumed (injected, snorted, swallowed, etc.).
- if the drug was taken in conjunction with other drugs or alcohol
- the half-life of the drug
The Half-life Of Fentanyl
The half-life of Fentanyl regards the length of time it takes for half of the dosage consumed to leave one’s system. Half-life durations vary based on the drug characteristics and the person-specific factors mentioned above. On average, the half-life of Fentanyl is 3-7 hours after consumption.
Drug Test Timelines
Additionally, average drug test timelines reveal general estimations in regard to the answer to “how long does fentanyl stay in your system?” They are as follows:
- Fentanyl is detectable in urine samples for up to 3 days.
- Fentanyl is detectable in blood samples for up to 2 days.
- Fentanyl is detectable in hair samples for up to 3 months.
Note: Individual age, weight, drug use history, and more impact these estimations and the answer to “how long does fentanyl stay in your system?”
Factors Influencing The Drug’s Duration In The Body
Depending on the way the drug is absorbed, the answer to “how long does fentanyl stay in your system?” varies. For instance, if absorbed as a transdermal patch, the body can retain the drug for up to 20-27 hours. In comparison, the drug via nasal spray begins leaving the body after 5-6 hours. How tolerant the individual has become to Fentanyl will also influence the answer to “how long does fentanyl stay in your system?”
Getting The Help You Need
Fentanyl is a lethal drug. If you’re struggling with addiction, contact a drug detox facility and get the help you need. With trusted medical staff, you can overcome addiction and take back your life.
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