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 - VancouverFebruary 13, 2025 • Posted by Vancouver Coastal Health
***Drug Alert - Vancouver - Feb 13, 2025***
VCH has issued a drug alert.
Green chunks sold as down in Vancouver tested positive for fentanyl and the benzodiazepine flubromazepam.
Check your drugs https://www.vch.ca/en/service/drug-checking
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Interior Health - Drug Alert - KamloopsFebruary 11, 2025 • Posted by Interior Health
***Drug Alert - Kamloops - February 11, 2025***
Interior Heath is issuing a drug alert for white Percocet tablets sold as Percocet (oxycodone) that tested positive for fentanyl or fentanyl analogue.
This is a counterfeit (fake) tablet sold as Percocet. It does not contain oxycodone. It contains an unknown amount of fentanyl. Using illicit tablets is not recommended due to the very high risk of overdose. Be aware of risk of fakes, if not purchasing from a pharmacy.
Click here for the poster.No matter what or how you use (smoking, snorting, injecting) take steps to prevent overdose
- Check your drugs before using! Whether using take home fentanyl test strips or accessing FTIR technicians in your area, drug checking can inform you about what is in your drugs. Drug Checking services found at www.drugchecking.ca
- Use one person at a time so someone can respond to an overdose if needed
- Use with others around if possible
- Smoking is not safer than injecting, be cautious when smoking your drugs
- Know the risks when mixing drugs
- When using your substance start with a small amount, and then go slow.
- Know the signs of an overdose and be prepared with naloxone. Find out where to get naloxone on the ‘Towards the Heart’ website, under ‘Find a site’.
- 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.
Resources
Opioid Overdose Awareness
Our web page features risks, signs and how to respond.
