In order to summarize current knowledge about the drug "Krokodil" a systematic 
review including a literature search of the databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, 
and Google was conducted in December 2011. According to information acquired, 
"Krokodil" is a mixture of several substances and was first reported to have 
been used in Russia in 2003. The core agent of "Krokodil" is desomorphine, an 
opioid-analogue that can be easily and cheaply manufactured by oneself. 
Self-production results in a contaminated suspension that is injected 
intravenously. Due to its pharmacologic features, desomorphine shows a high 
potential to cause dependence. Against the background of first possible cases of 
"Krokodil" use in Western Europe, it appears advisable to provide information 
regarding the fatal consequences of "Krokodil."