Interior Health - Drug Testing Alert - Kamloops

December 16, 2020 • Posted by Toward the Heart

Stay safe. Use overdose prevention sites and supervised consumption services when you can.

Interior Heath has issued a DRUG ALERT for KAMLOOPS after a bright purple sample sold as heroin tested positive for both fentanyl and benzodiazepines (additional substances detected by the FTIR include: caffeine, heroin, mannitol and erythritol). Overdoses associated with this substance are showing prolonged sedation and naloxone may not completely address the overdose presentation.

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Overdose risk and prolonged sedation is very high when benzodiazepines are mixed with opioids (fentanyl). 

Reduce the risk

• Get your drugs checked – see service information below.
• Avoid using different drugs at the same time or using drugs and alcohol together.  
• Don’t use alone or ask someone to check on you.
• If you must use while 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.   
• When using your substance start with a small amount, and then go slow.
• Use at an Overdose Prevention or Supervised Consumption Site, if one is near you.
• Know how to respond to an overdose - call 911, give rescue breaths and naloxone.

 Know the signs of overdose and how to respond  

• Recognize the signs of an OD: slow or no breathing, gurgling or gasping, lips/fingertips turning blue, difficult to rouse (awaken), non-responsive
• Call 9-1-1 immediately
• Give naloxone (Narcan) if you have it
• Open airway and give rescue breaths

Naloxone is available at

• ASK Wellness
• IH MHSU and Public Health
• IH Primary Care Centre (Lansdowne)
• King Street
• Several pharmacies
• Full list at https://towardtheheart.com/site-finder

Drug Checking is available at:

• ASK Wellness FTIR Drug Checking & Take Home Fentanyl Test Strips @ 433 Tranquille Rd (ASK Wellness) Full list at https://drugchecking.ca/

Overdose Prevention sites are available at

• ASK Wellness OPS, 433 Tranquille Rd- Mon – Fri 8:30 to 4pm (closed 12-1pm)
• Interior Health SCS- 569 Seymour St (Crossroads Parking lot) Mon – Fri 10am -6pm