Fraser Health issued an overdose alert Friday (May 1) for drugs that are being sold in Coquitlam.
"Blueish/ greenish granules sold as Down in Coquitlam tested positive for high levels of xylazine (Tranq) in combination with nifoxipam (benzodiazepine analog) and fentanyl,"
鈥淚f someone overdoses: call 9-1-1 and stay with them. Give one breath every five seconds. Give naloxone. Please look out for each other,鈥� it continued. "Combining multiple depressants can lead to complex overdoses. Naloxone will reverse the effects of opioids, but it does not reverse the effects of benzodiazepines and tranquilizers. Individuals may not regain consciousness and require longer monitoring. Monitor breathing before administering more naloxone. Nifoxipam is a designer drug in the benzodiazepine class. It is described as highly potent with a long action duration, effects lasting up to 24 hours or more."
The warning also listed tips for safe drug use, as well as links to local harm reduction services and how to get your drugs checked.
The alert was posted and sent via text using the Toxic Drug and Health Alerts System, which is managed by BC Centre for Disease Control.
Text notifications are sent to subscribers who want timely information about illicit substances and increases in toxic drug poisonings in their region, the health authority says. To subscribe, text JOIN to 253787 (ALERTS).
