***Drug Alert - Kelowna - August 28, 2026***

Interior Heath has issued a DRUG ALERT for Kelowna and surrounding area. A tablet sold as dilaudid / dillies / hydromorphone was found to contain cychlorphine.  It does not contain hydromorphone. Cychlorphine is an opioid approximately 10x the potency of fentanyl. Using illicit tablets is not recommended due to the heightened risk of overdose. Be aware of risk of fakes, if not purchasing from a pharmacy.

 

Further information on cychlorphine can be found here: Cychlorphine

 

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.   

 

Click here for a printable poster.

 

Service Provider Information 

 

Supervised Consumption and Overdose Prevention Services: 250-868-2230 Kelowna Outreach Urban Health SCS

Drug Checking services: Call or text 250-212-0137 or 250-869-7870

Drug checking in person 1-9 Mon-Fri at Kelowna Outreach Urban Health SCS

Local Substance Use Services: 310-MHSU  

 

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 opioid agonist treatment (OAT), 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: 

• Use with others around 

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

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

• Know the risks when mixing drugs  

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

• 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.   

 

***Drug Alert - Vancouver - Aug 27, 2026***

VCH has issued a drug alert:

White rectangular tri-scored counterfeit 2mg alprazolam (Xanax) tablet with imprints “ XANAX ” and “ 2 ” seized in Vancouver tested positive for ethylflualprazolam and phenazolam, two novel benzodiazepine analogs. May cause sedation.

Check your drugs: https://www.vch.ca/en/service/drug-checking

***Overdose Advisory - Quesnel - Aug 27, 2026***

There has been an increase in overdose events in the community of Quesnel. Substances circulating in community are highly toxic, cause heavy and prolonged sedation, and require more naloxone to reverse. Overdoses are happening when the substance is smoked and/or injected.

Click here for a printable poster. 

More information:

Overdose advisory: Quesnel | Stories

Overdose prevention | Northern Health

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 site if possible.
• Access fentanyl drug checking where available (OPS sites).
• Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses.

Local harm reduction supports

Quesnel Specialized services

Harm reduction supplies, naloxone, and drug checking services available
Address: 101-455 Maclean Street, Quesnel
Phone: 250-992-5189

Mobile Services: Quesnel CAT

Northern Peer Connections Van

Phone: 250-983-4492

***Drug Alert - Vancouver - Aug 26, 2026***

VCH has issued a drug alert:

Yellow powder seized in Vancouver tested positive for 4 '-chloro deschloroalprazolam, a novel benzodiazepine analog. May cause sedation.

Check your drugs: https://www.vch.ca/en/service/drug-checking

**Fraser Health - Drug Alert - Maple Ridge**

Brown chunks sold as Down were found to contain very high concentrations of Carfentanil, a very toxic fentanyl analog.