***Drug Alert - Kamloops - October 1, 2025***

 

Interior Heath has issued a DRUG ALERT for Kamloops after a sample being sold as Down was found to contain Medetomidine and Fluorofentanyl. Medetomidine is a non-opioid tranquilizer with effects similar to xylazine. It is up to 200 times stronger than xylazine. Medetomidine can lead to complicated and long lasting overdose symptoms. Medetomidine suppresses respiration and has potentially dangerous cardiovascular effects. 

The combination of fluorofentanyl and medetomidine can lead to significant sedation. Overdose symptoms may last beyond administration of naloxone.

Please ensure your clients are aware of safer drug use tips that can help prevent overdose as well as where they can access naloxone, drug checking and other overdose prevention services in your community.   

Please find a printable poster here.   

 

Service Provider Information 

 

Local Substance Use Services: 310-MHSU

Kamloops Drug Checking: 250-299-7219

Kamloops OPS: 250-377-6500

 

Virtual Addiction Medicine Clinic (VAM) 

Our Virtual Addiction Medicine (VAM) clinic offers a full range of opioid agonist treatment (OAT), including buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone®), methadone, and slow-release oral morphine (SROM / Kadian®). 

 

How VAM works: 

• Our team works with you to assess your individual needs, develop a treatment plan, and help you achieve your goals 

• The VAM clinic is virtual, meaning your appointments will take place over the phone no matter where you are in the Interior Health region 

• The VAM clinic does not provide long-term care. Once you are comfortable with how your treatment is going, we will help you find health services in your community 

• If you need help managing prescribed safer supply or alternatives, supervised consumption, overdose prevention, supervised withdrawal from alcohol, or counselling, please contact your nearest Interior Health Mental Health and Substance Use centre at 310-MHSU (6478).  

• Click here to request an appointment.   

 

No matter what or how you use (smoking, snorting, injecting) take steps to prevent overdose 

• Check your drugs before using! Whether using take home fentanyl test strips or accessing drug checking services in your area, drug checking can inform you about what is in your drugs. Drug Checking services found at www.drugchecking.ca 

• Know the signs of an overdose and be prepared with naloxone. Find out where to get naloxone on the ‘Towards the Heart’ website, under ‘Find a site’. 

• When using substances: 

o   Use with others around 

o   Use one person at a time so someone can respond to overdose if needed 

o   When using your substance start with a small amount, and then go slow. 

o   Know the risks when mixing drugs  

o   Smoking is not safer than injecting, be cautious when smoking your drugs 

o   If using alone, consider using the Lifeguard app which can connect you with 911 emergency responders if you overdose. Download at the App Store or Google Play.   

**Northern Health - Drug Alert - Northern Region**

Northern Health and FNHA are issuing a Drug Alert for the Northern Region. A purple paste/sample sold as ‘down’ has tested positive for fentanyl, benzos and medetomidine. This sample has been linked to overdose events. 

Medetomidine is a non-opioid sedative that can cause an increase in overdose and fatal overdose, complex drug poisoning which involves deep and prolonged sedation and very low or no pulse.

Overdose symptoms may require multiple doses of naloxone or may not respond to naloxone.

Smoking is not safer than injecting.

More info:

https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/overdose-prevention

https://stories.northernhealth.ca/news/toxic-drug-alert-northern-health-region

Be cautious when using substances and follow the safety tips below:

• Get training to prevent, recognize, and respond to an overdose; carry naloxone
• Don’t use alone. Make a plan and use with a trusted person who can call for help if needed.
• If you plan to use alone, use the Lifeguard app available free on the app store or on Toward the Heart website or call NORS (National Overdose Response Service) 1-888-688-6677 (NORS).
• Know your tolerance. If you are sick or had a time of abstinence or reduced use, use much less.
• Don't mix drugs or mix drugs with alcohol.
• Test a small amount first and go slow.
• Use in an OPS if possible
• Access fentanyl drug checking where available (OPS sites).
• Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses.