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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Northern Health - Overdose Advisory - TerraceApril 23, 2025 • Posted by Northern Health
Northern Health & First Nations Health AuthorityHealth Alert
There has been an increase in overdose events in the community of Terrace, linked to purple and blue drugs. Overdoses are occurring when these drugs are smoked and injected.
For your safety:
- Get training to prevent, recognize, and respond to an overdose; carry naloxone.
- Avoid using drugs alone. Make a plan and tell someone you trust 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 (https://towardtheheart.com), or call the 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, 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 overdose prevention sites (OPS)
- Terrace Specialized MHSU Outreach Team (formerly ICMT)
Address: 101-4450 Grieg Ave, Terrace, BC (Stepping Stones Building)
Phone: 250-631-4647
OPS hours: Monday to Friday, 12 pm to 4 pm (excluding holidays)
Drug Checking: 7 days a week, 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
More information:
Overdose prevention | Northern Health
Story - Northern Health overdose-advisory-terrace-04-23-2025 NH Stories Page Link
Poster - Northern Health Overdose-advisory-terrace-04-23-2025 POSTER
PDF Word Version - Northern Health overdose-advisory-terrace-04-23-2025 Word Document
Alert expires: May 07, 2025
Resources
Opioid Overdose Awareness
Our web page features risks, signs and how to respond.
