Fraser Health issued an overdose alert Thursday (Aug. 28) for drugs that are being sold in the region after a spike in "toxic drug events" in the health authority over the past seven days.
"Recent signals suggest carfentanil is re-emerging in BC始s drug supply. Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than fentanyl. It is primarily used in veterinary medicine for large animals and is not intended for use in humans."
"Naloxone can reverse its effects, but multiple doses may be necessary. Monitor the person's breathing before administering more naloxone. As with fentanyl, effects can return when naloxone wears off."
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).
