Fentanyl is a type of strong pain  medicine that's made in a lab.

It's part of a group of drugs known as opioids.

Your doctor may prescribe fentanyl to help you  manage severe pain.

But it can also be used in other  ways that are very dangerous.

Here are 5 things you should know about fentanyl,  plus an extra tip that could save a life.

One.

While fentanyl is sometimes prescribed by a doctor for pain relief, there is a different  form of fentanyl that's made illegally.

Two.

Fentanyl is sometimes added to illegal drugs  like methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.

Three.

Fake, or counterfeit, medicines  can also contain fentanyl.

This means fake medicine labeled as one thing—like  oxycodone, certain benzodiazepine medicines, and amphetamines—may also contain fentanyl.

It's hard to know how much fentanyl could  be mixed in with these kinds of fake drugs.

Without knowing it, you could  also be taking fentanyl.

Four.

Fentanyl isn't just found  in pills or in powder form.

It can also be added to other counterfeit  medicines—like fake eyedrops or nasal sprays.

Fentanyl may also be dropped onto blotter paper.

Five.

Because fentanyl is so powerful, it only  takes a small amount for someone to overdose.

And when a drug is made illegally, it's  hard to know how much fentanyl it contains.

Here's one more thing to  know that may save a life.

Keep a naloxone rescue kit with you if  you or someone you know takes opioids, uses illegal drugs, has a history of substance  use, or has had an opioid emergency before.

Depending on where you live, your doctor may need to give you a  prescription for a naloxone rescue kit or you may be able to get  one without a prescription.

Now, it may be scary to think  about the dangers of fentanyl.

But you can protect yourself—and the  people you love—by staying aware.

Only take medicine prescribed by your doctor.

And if you or someone you know uses drugs or  other substances that may contain fentanyl, make sure to keep a naloxone kit handy.