The opioid crisis in the United States is currently claiming the lives of more than 70,000 people a year, a truly shocking death toll largely fueled by fentanyl.
Hayden Panettiere is among the latest victims of the deadly effects of fentanyl. The actress, who passed away on August 16 at the age of 36, died from the toxic effects of fentanyl, Xanax, and other drugs, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office. Her death was ruled an accident.
Fentanyl, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is many times more powerful than heroin. When administered properly under strict medical supervision, it's a legitimate and effective painkiller. But fentanyl misuse is causing the deaths of almost 200 people every day across the country. Sadly, many of these victims are teenagers.
So, why is fentanyl so harmful, and what's being done to save lives? Click through and find out more about the opioid that's killing America.