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 - West KootenaysApril 18, 2024 • Posted by Interior Health
***Drug Alert - West Kootenays - April 18, 2024***
Interior Heath has issued a DRUG ADVISORY for West Kootenays after multiple samples of down were found to have high concentrations of fluorofentanyl and bromazolam.
Click here for a printable version of the poster.
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Interior Health - Drug Alert - VernonApril 18, 2024 • Posted by Interior Health
***Drug Alert - Vernon - April 18, 2024***
Interior Heath has issued a DRUG ADVISORY for Vernon after an increase in occurrences of xylazine found in DOWN.
Click here for a printable version of the poster.
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Island Health - Drug Poisoning Overdose Advisory - Mt. WaddingtonApril 17, 2024 • Posted by Island Health
***Drug Poisoning Overdose Advisory - Mt. Waddington - April 17, 2024***
Overdoses are increasing in Mt. Waddington. Friends, family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from injection and inhalation.
For more information on harm reduction supports visit Overdose Prevention Services.
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VCH - Drug Alert - Vancouver Downtown EastsideApril 17, 2024 • Posted by Vancouver Coastal Health
***Drug Alert - VANCOUVER DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE - April 17, 2024***
VCH has issued a drug alert.
White crystals sold as down in the DTES of Vancouver tested positive for 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and negative for fentanyl and other opioids.
Check your drugs https://www.vch.ca/en/service/drug-checking
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VCH - Drug Alert - VancouverApril 15, 2024 • Posted by Vancouver Coastal Health
***Drug Alert - VANCOUVER - April 15, 2024***
VCH has issued a drug alert.
Orange and blue powders sold as down in Vancouver tested positive for fentanyl and bromazolam, a benzo analog. Substances caused overdose.
Check your drugs https://www.vch.ca/en/service/drug-checking
Resources
Opioid Overdose Awareness
Our web page features risks, signs and how to respond.