Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic (man-made) opioid that is more toxic than most other opioids, and can be prescribed by a physician to help control severe pain. Fentanyl is also being produced in illegal labs and sold on the streets, often mixed with other drugs. Increasingly, fentanyl is being detected in overdose deaths in BC.
About Fentanyl
Why is fentanyl dangerous?
Fentanyl is around 20 to 40 times more toxic than heroin and 50 to 100 times more toxic than morphine, which makes the risk of accidental overdose higher. When fentanyl is combined with other opioids (like heroin, morphine, methadone or codeine), alcohol, benzodiazepines, or cocaine or methamphetamines, it can further increase the risk of accidental overdose. Combining substances (including alcohol), intentionally or unintentionally, increases overdose risk. It’s also important to be aware that drugs other than fentanyl can also be lethal, and that there is no quality control or regulated manufacturing process for illegal drugs.
Where is it coming from?
Illicit fentanyl is manufactured in clandestine overseas drug labs, both overseas and in Canada. It may be cut into powders or pressed into pills prior to being sold.
Where is it found?
Fentanyl is sometimes sold as fentanyl but other illegal drugs can also contain it, including heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, crack or meth. It may be in drugs that are in powder, liquid or pill form.
These drugs may contain toxic contaminants or have different levels of fentanyl in each batch. Even pills produced in the same batch may have little to lethal levels of fentanyl.
What can you do?
Be aware that drugs obtained from anywhere other than a pharmacy or a hospital may not be what you think they are, or what others believe them to be.
Learn how to recognize and respond to a drug overdose.
See our tips for safer substance use.
Alerts
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Interior Health - Drug Alert - NelsonMay 25, 2022 • Posted by Interior Health
**Drug Alert - NELSON- May 25th, 2022**Interior Health has issued a drug poisoning alert for Nelson after a drug poisoning event occurred at ANKORS OPS. Sample of orange/pink pebbles sold as Down contained Carfentanyl, Fentanyl and Flualprazolam. High risk of drug poisoning, overdose and death.Learn about safer drug use tips that can help prvent overdose as well as where you can access naloxone, drug checking, and other overdose prevention services in your community. -
Island Health - Drug Poisoning/Overdose Advisory - Greater VictoriaMay 25, 2022 • Posted by Island Health
**Overdose Advisory - GREATER VICTORIA - May 25th, 2022**Island Health has issued an overdose/drug poisoning advisory for Greater Victoria, Sooke and the West Shore. Overdoses are increasing in Victoria, the West Shore and Sooke. Friends, family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from both injection and inhalation.
Resources

Know Your Source
A fentanyl campaign from public health and law enforcement agencies.

Opioid Overdose Awareness
Our web page features risks, signs and how to respond.