Fentanyl Use Disorder: A Guide for Nurse Practitioners

Fentanyl use disorder (FUD) is a critical public health issue due to the availability and potency of illicit fentanyl. Although FUD treatment aligns with opioid use disorder protocols for medication treatment, new approaches are needed to manage the unique challenges of fentanyl use. Herein, we discuss fentanyl’s pharmacology and clinical signs; FUD management, including screening methods, testing, and harm reduction approaches; and the role of nurse practitioners in early detection, treatment, and harm reduction for patients with FUD.