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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VCH - Drug Alert - VancouverJune 23, 2025 • Posted by Vancouver Coastal Health
***Drug Alert - Vancouver - June 23, 2025***
VCH has issued a drug alert.
White chunk sold as hydromorphone in Vancouver tested positive for desalkylgidazepam, a benzo analog, and negative for hydromorphone.
Check your drugs: https://www.vch.ca/en/service/drug-checking
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Northern Health - Toxic Drug Alert - Dawson CreekJune 19, 2025 • Posted by Northern Health
***Toxic Drug Alert - Dawson Creek - June 19 2025***
Northern Health has issued a Toxic Drug Alert for Dawson Creek. A green substance sold as “down” has been linked to sudden overdoses requiring naloxone and/or hospitalization. Overdoses occur when the substance is inhaled. Use caution when using substances through any route.
Click here for a poster.
More info:
https://stories.northernhealth.ca/news/toxic-drug-alert-dawson-creek-3
https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/overdose-prevention
For your safety
§ Get overdose prevention, recognition, and response training; carry naloxone.
§ Try not to use alone. Make a plan and tell a trusted person who can call for help if needed.
§ If you plan to use alone, use the Lifeguard or BeSafe app available free on the app store or on Toward the Heart website (https://towardtheheart.com) 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.
§ When possible, avoid mixing drugs or mixing drugs with alcohol.
§ Test a small amount first, start low and go slow.
§ Get your drugs checked.
§ Use the local Overdose Prevention Site (OPS).
§ Call 911 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses.
Local Supports and Overdose Prevention Sites
Dawson Creek (temporary) OPS
Address: 1001 110 Ave, Dawson Creek, BC
OPS hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 10 pm
Resources
Opioid Overdose Awareness
Our web page features risks, signs and how to respond.
