Penticton Drug Alert

Interior Heath has issued a DRUG ALERT for PENTICTON after a sample was found to contain undiluted or “uncut” para-fluorofentanyl, a substance with strength and effects similar to fentanyl. There is a high risk of overdose.

Here is a link to download a printer friendly version of this poster.

No matter what or how you use (smoking, snorting, injecting) take steps to prevent overdose

• Check your drugs before using! Whether using take home fentanyl testing strips or accessing FTIR technicians in your area, drug checking can inform you about what is in your drugs.
• Crush your drugs into fine powder: Doing so reduces the chance of hot-spots, which are spikes of concentrated fentanyl in the dope.
• Be a buddy: Help a friend by being around while they are using. Stagger use if you are using together.
• Smoking is not safer than injecting, be cautious when smoking your drugs
• Know the risks when mixing drugs
• When using your substance start with a small amount, and then go slow.
• Know the signs of an overdose and be prepared with naloxone.
• If you must use while alone, consider using the Lifeguard app which can connect you with 911 emergency responders if you overdose. Download at the App Store or Google Play.   

Penticton Drug Alert

Multiple samples of DOWN with higher than average amount of fentanyl have been identified in Penticton.

Sold as Down, Fentanyl – Grey Pebbles

Contains:

• Higher to much higher than average concentration of fentanyl and fentanyl analogue.

Risk:

High risk of overdose, High risk of fatal overdose.

Using in the cold can increase risk of overdose.

Smoking is NOT safer than injecting. Take care when smoking drugs by using a little at a time and waiting a few minutes, as some effects can take longer to appear.

Overdose response:

Naloxone does not work on Benzos, BUT naloxone will work on the opioid overdose symptoms.  After giving breaths and naloxone, the person may begin breathing normally, but may not wake up. More doses of naloxone should only be given if the person is not breathing normally (less than 10 breaths a minute). If the person is breathing normally but remains unconscious, place in recovery position and stay with them until emergency services arrive.

No matter what or how you use (oral, smoking, snorting, injecting) take steps to prevent overdose

• Know the risks when mixing drugs
• If you must use while alone, consider using the Lifeguard app which can connect you with 911 emergency responders if you overdose. Download at the App Store or Google Play.   

• When using your substance start with a small amount, and then go slow.
• Use with others or at an Overdose Prevention or Supervised Consumption Site, if one is near you.
• Know how to respond to an overdose – call 911, give rescue breaths and naloxone.

Here is a link to download a printable version of this poster.