This brown substance is fentanyl laced with a dangerous additive that can prevent life-saving drugs from working if a use overdoses. When dissolved in water, it turns orange
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Interior Health
September 09, 2020 - 4:36 PM
Interior Health has issued a drug alert, warning users in Vernon about a high-risk batch of fentanyl that may not respond to naloxone.
According to the drug alert issued Sept. 9, the fentanyl was found to contain etizolam, a benzodiazepine, which puts users at a high risk of overdose and may not respond to naloxone or Narcan.
The Interior Health warning says the drug is brown in colour but may appear orange when dissolved in water. It was tested at ASK Wellness, and Interior Health say the alert is in effect until Sept. 16.
Interior Health advises drug users to reduce their risk by getting drugs tested, avoid using different drugs at the same time or using drugs and alcohol together, and to not use alone or ask someone to check on you. People who use alone can download the Lifeguard App which can connect to 911 emergency responders if they overdose.
The healthy authority also advises when using your substance, start with a small amount, and then go slow, use at an Overdose Prevention or Supervised Consumption Site, if possible, and to know how to respond to an overdose – call 911, give rescue breaths and naloxone.
Naloxone kits are available at: Cammy LaFleur Street Outreach, Interior Health MHSU & Public Health, Turning Points Collaborative, and various pharmacies.
Drug checking is available at the Downtown Overdose Prevention Site, 3306A 32 Ave, Vernon, and Cammy LaFleur Street Outreach. The Vernon Downtown Overdose Prevention Site is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday.
For more information go here.
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