In its pure form, fentanyl is a white, crystalline powder that is virtually indistinguishable from other powdered drugs. It is odorless, and has a bitter taste. However, it is often mixed with other substances such as heroin or cocaine, and then sold on the black market. In these cases, the appearance of fentanyl can vary widely depending on what it has been mixed with.

One of the most common forms of illicit fentanyl is a white or off-white powder that is sold in small plastic bags or glassine envelopes. This form of fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs such as heroin or cocaine, and then sold as a cheaper, more potent alternative. It can be difficult to tell the difference between fentanyl and other powders, so it is important to be extremely cautious when handling any unknown substance.

Another form of illicit fentanyl is fentanyl patches, which are small, adhesive patches that are placed on the skin. These patches are designed to slowly release fentanyl into the bloodstream over the course of several days, providing long-lasting pain relief. However, some people abuse these patches by cutting them open and then extracting the fentanyl gel inside. The gel can be smoked, snorted, or injected, and can be extremely dangerous if used improperly.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of counterfeit fentanyl pills on the black market. These pills are often made to look like prescription opioids such as OxyContin or Vicodin, but contain much more potent and dangerous doses of fentanyl. They can be round, oval, or rectangular in shape, and are often marked with fake pharmaceutical logos or imprints to make them look more legitimate. These pills can be extremely dangerous, and have been responsible for a large number of fentanyl-related overdoses.

Overall, the appearance of fentanyl can vary widely depending on how it is being used and what it has been mixed with. However, if you come across a white or off-white powder or pill that you suspect may contain fentanyl, it is important to handle it with extreme caution and seek medical help immediately if you experience any adverse effects.