Interior Health has issued a drug alert for the entire region.
The health authority said the alert follows several samples of substances sold as down, dope, tranq or fentanyl that were found to contain medetomidine, up to 15 per cent, in addition to carfentanil and benzodiazepines.
“The down supply is unpredictable. High concentrations of opioids and medetomidine as well as multiple new benzodiazepines increase risk,” Interior Health said.
Medetomidine can slow breathing and heart rate, making overdoses more complicated and longer lasting. The substance is also potentially dangerous to the heart.
When combined with other opioids or sedatives, medetomidine can lead to “complex and prolonged” toxicity, with withdrawal that may be severe and difficult to treat.
Medetomidine does not respond to naloxone, although naloxone should still be administered when opioid involvement is suspected.
Interior Health warned overdose symptoms may last beyond the administration of naloxone.
The health authority urges people who use substances to take steps to prevent overdose.
People should check their drugs before using them. Take-home fentanyl test strips and local drug-checking services can help identify what substances are present.
People should also know the signs of an overdose and carry naloxone.
People to use substances are advised to use with others present and one person at a time so someone can respond in case of an overdose. It also advised starting with a small amount and going slowly, being aware of the risks of mixing drugs and recognizing that smoking is not safer than injecting.
People who use alone are encouraged to consider the Lifeguard app, which can connect users with 911 emergency responders in the event of an overdose.
Information about drug-checking services is available at www.drugchecking.ca.
The alert will be in place until at least Feb. 25.
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