(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)
September 26, 2016 - 5:03 PM
KELOWNA – Interior Health says five people overdosed on street drugs that may have been laced with fentanyl on the weekend.
Dr. Kamran Golmohammadi says in an email the “accidental” overdoses were all related to “a common event on Saturday.”
“The substance involved was reported to be cocaine that may have contained fentanyl; however, we cannot confirm the presence of fentanyl as Interior Health does not conduct toxicology testing,” he says in the email.
All five people were treated and released from the hospital.
Interior Health warns people the best way to avoid overdose is to avoid taking drugs without a doctor's direction.
“Healthcare providers recognize some people will continue to use drugs,” the emailed statement says. “Don’t mix different drugs."
The statement from Interior Health advises against mixing drugs, even prescription drugs, taking drugs while alone recommends users leave doors unlocked and to learn to recognize the signs of an overdose.
“Use less and pace yourself. Do testers to check strength - take a small sample of a drug before taking your usual dosage,” it says.
Find past stories on fentanyl here.
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