Health Canada has confirmed the presence of carfentanil in green counterfeit pills stamped 'CDN' and '80' found in Waterloo Region. Carfentanil is 10,000 times more toxic than morphine. It cannot be detected by sight, smell or taste.
The Grey Bruce Health Unit urges people to use caution when using all drugs. People who use drugs can reduce overdose risk by not using alone, starting with using a small amount and understanding that overdose is a medical emergency.
"We need to make everyone aware that this drug has made its way to this region of Ontario, and could be unknowingly present in any illicit substance. With such a small amount having toxic levels, we need individuals who use drugs to be aware of the dangers that carfentanil presents" says Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Christine Kennedy. "We know from experience, that any drug can be laced with other toxic substances. Additional strategies to reduce risk include taking smaller doses and not being alone when taking drugs."
People who use drugs, as well as their friends and family, are encouraged to access Naloxone and opioid overdose training. "Naloxone works to temporarily reverse an opiate overdose such as fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone or morphine" explains Laurie Moore, the coordinator of the Harm Reduction Program at the Grey Bruce Health Unit. "Overdose is a medical emergency, so if someone overdoses it is important to call 911".
The Take Away Naloxone kits or TAN can be used to reverse an opiate overdose. The
TAN program, available through Public Health, allows people at risk for opiate overdose, to have access to life saving education and dispensing of emergency overdose Naloxone kits.
Naloxone and opioid overdose training is available in Grey Bruce by contacting the Grey Bruce Health Unit or ask if your local pharmacist dispenses Naloxone.
Source:Public Health Media Release
Hub note: These conterfeit pills are made to look like the drug Fentanyl. Carfentanil is 100 times more powerful than Fentanyl. Be advised that any Fentanyl acquired from sublegal sources should be considered suspect.
