Know Your Source

Fentanyl may be hiding in the drugs you’re using.
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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

Interior Health - Drug Poisoning Alert - Williams Lake and Surrounding AreaApril 30, 2024 • Posted by Interior Health
***Drug Alert - Williams Lake and Surrounding Area - April 30, 2024***

Interior Heath has issued a DRUG POISONING OVERDOSE ALERT for Williams Lake and surrounding area due to increased drug poisoning fatalities.

Please ensure your clients are aware of safer drug use tips that can help prevent overdose as well as where they can access naloxone, drug checking and other overdose prevention services in your community.

We ask that you display the attached poster in high visibility locations and remove it on May 07, 2024. Web version also attached for social media use.

Local Services

Substance Use Connections: 250-267-6625

Crisis Response: 250-305-8496

Drug Checking: 250-305-4235

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 testing strips or accessing FTIR technicians in your area, drug checking can inform you about what is in your drugs.
- Crush your drugs into fine powder: Doing so reduces the chance of hot-spots, which are spikes of concentrated fentanyl in the dope.
- Be a buddy: Help a friend by being around while they are using. Stagger use if you are using together.
- 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.
- 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.
VCH - Drug Alert - Vancouver April 30, 2024 • Posted by Vancouver Coastal Health

***Drug Alert - VANCOUVER - April 30, 2024***

VCH has issued a drug alert.

Clear crystals sold as ketamine in Vancouver tested positive for levamisole, a veterinary drug that can cause adverse effects when taken by humans. Substance tested negative for ketamine.

Check your drugs https://www.vch.ca/en/service/drug-checking