Warning: Fentanyl confirmed in recent North Shore deaths
The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the presence of fentanyl in the North Vancouver couple who died last week. Toxicology reports confirmed that they had both ingested toxic levels of fentanyl in combination with other drugs. Several other recent overdoses in the Lower Mainland have also been linked to the drug. Lab tests have found fentanyl mixed with or sold as other illicit drugs.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid which is much more toxic than morphine and is particularly dangerous to people who do not regularly use opioids. In most cases users have unwittingly ingested fentanyl believing they had been sold other illicit “street” or “party” drugs such as oxycodone. Fentanyl is a narcotic that is 50-100 times more toxic than other narcotics. It is usually prescribed to control severe pain, but illegal fentanyl is now showing up in liquid, powder and pill form, masked in many street drugs. These users are in danger of dying, even on their first use of fentanyl.
Over the past three years there has been a province-wide increase in the number of illicit drug overdose deaths involving fentanyl, either alone or combined with other drugs. There were more than 300 illicit drug overdose deaths in 2014. Preliminary data suggests that fentanyl was detected in approximately 25% of these deaths, as compared to 8% of deaths in 2013.
Spread the word
If your clients or patients use drugs recreationally, warn them about this toxic drug.
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Early overdose signs
- Severe sleepiness
- Slow heartbeat
- Trouble breathing
- Slow, shallow breathing or snoring
- Cold, clammy skin
- Trouble walking or talking
Tips for users
- Don’t use alone
- Start with a small amount
- Learn about naloxone (Narcan)