Drug alert: confirmed presence of carfentanil

Issued: Thursday, August 1, 2024

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The Community Drug Strategies have received confirmation of a potent substance, carfentanil, found in Sudbury and districts.

What is carfentanil?

Carfentanil is a very toxic opioid that is 100 times more potent than fentanyl. People who use carfentanil may be at high risk of drug poisoning.

Carfentanil

• Is a toxic synthetic opioid which is sometimes mixed into street drugs.
• Is not intended for human consumption.
• Has no smell or taste and you can’t see it. You may not know that your drug is laced with carfentanil.
• Comes in many forms: powder, pill, and liquid.

Using these substances may lead to increased risks of drug poisoning. Multiple doses of naloxone may be needed to help reverse a poisoning.

A poisoning occurs when a person uses more of a substance, or combination of substances, than their body can handle. As a result, the brain is unable to control basic life functions. The person might pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Poisonings can be fatal and non-fatal.

Prevent poisonings to save lives:

• Carry a naloxone kit. Know how to use it (PDF).
• Call 911 if you suspect a poisoning.
• Avoid mixing drugs, including prescribed, over the counter, and illegal drugs.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while using other drugs.
• Use caution when switching substances: start with a lower dose than you usually would.
• If you have not used in a while, start with a lower dose. Your tolerance may be lower.
• Avoid using drugs when you are alone. Have a trusted person with you who can provide support as needed.
• If you must use alone, consider the following options.
  • Connect with the National Poisoning Response Service at 888.688.6677 (NORS line). NORS is a virtual safe consumption line available 24/7 that provides confidential and nonjudgmental support, whenever and wherever you use drugs.
  • Access the Brave App. The Brave App is a virtual safe consumption app available 24/7 that will anonymously and privately connect to a Brave Supporter before you use drugs alone.

Opioid poisoning symptoms include:

• fingernails and lips turn blue or purplish black
• skin turns bluish purple, grayish, or ashen, depending on skin tone
• dizziness and confusion
• the person can’t be woken up
• choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
• slow, weak, or no breathing
• drowsiness or difficulty staying awake

How to respond to a poisoning:

• GIVE NALOXONE. This will help reverse an opioid poisoning and will do no harm if the poisoning is not opioid related. This may improve breathing, but the person may not regain consciousness due to sedation. Additional doses may be needed.
• Call 911 to get medical help and keep monitoring their breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives.
• If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position.

Where to get naloxone?

For a free naloxone kit, contact The Point at Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Réseau Access Network, or ask your local hospital or pharmacy. Or, visit www.ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free.

Be cautious if using drugs and please distribute this information widely to help save lives.

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This item was last modified on August 1, 2024