Drug advisory issued for Northern Health region

Northern Health and First Nations Health Authority issued a Toxic Drug Alert across the Northern Health region.

The health authorities said recent drug samples of white Hydromorphine pills, sold as “Dilaudid” have tested positive for the new synthetic opioid Cychlorphine, which can be 10x stronger than Fentanyl and may require additional doses of naloxone.

They add cychlorphine may be present in other unregulated drugs.

Safety tips to follow include:

• Get training to prevent, recognize, and respond to an overdose; carry naloxone.
• Don’t use alone. Make a plan and tell 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 site if possible.
• Access fentanyl drug checking where available (OPS sites).
• Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses.

The alert will remain in affect until August 28th, 2026, with information on local overdose prevention sites here.