A drug alert has been issued across all Interior Health regions following an increase in the detection of carfentanil in Down (opioid).
Over the past month, Interior Health says samples frequently containing benzodiazepines and tranquilizers, in addition to carfentanil, have been detected throughout the region.
The health authority warns that combining opioids with these substances amplifies the effects of the drugs and significantly increases the risk of overdose and death.
Carfentanil is up to 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Interior Health says Down has been found to contain carfentanil concentrations of up to 4 per cent – the equivalent of a fentanyl concentration of up to 400 per cent.
No matter what or how you use (smoking, snorting, injecting) IH reccomends you take steps to prevent overdose:
- Be aware of increased risk if mixing with other drugs, including alcohol
- Do not use alone – Use a buddy or OPS service
- Start with a small amount and space out your doses
- Carry naloxone and know how use it. Several doses may be required. G
- et the LifeGuard App – lifeguarddh.com
- Call 211 or visit bc211.ca to find services near you
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