Toxic Drug Alert issued across the Northern Health Region

Northern Health issued a Toxic Drug Alert for the Northern Region for A purple paste/sample sold as ‘down’.

According to Northern Health, the substance tested positive for fentanyl, benzos and medetomidine, and has been linked to overdose events.

They add overdose symptoms may require multiple doses of naloxone or may not respond to naloxone.

Some safety tips include:

• Get training to prevent, recognize, and respond to an overdose; carry naloxone
• Don’t use alone. Make a plan and use with a trusted person who can call for help if needed.
• If you plan to use alone, use the Lifeguard app available free on the app store or on Toward the Heart website or call NORS (National Overdose Response Service) 1-888-688-6677 (NORS).
• Know your tolerance. If you are sick or had a time of abstinence or reduced use, use much less.
• Don’t mix drugs or mix drugs with alcohol.
• Test a small amount first and go slow.
• Use in an OPS if possible
• Access fentanyl drug checking where available (OPS sites).
• Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses.

Information on local OPS hours can be found here.

Northern Health said smoking is not safer than injecting.

The Alert is scheduled to expire on October 7th.