Drug alert: Potent fentanyl analogs detected locally

Issued: Monday, December 9, 2024

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Potent fentanyl analogs including fluoro-fentanyl and methylfentanyl-related drugs are confirmed to be circulating in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts area.

Key details

• Fluoro-fentanyl is known to be up to 2 times stronger than fentanyl
• Methylfentanyl-related drugs are known to be up to 10 times stronger than fentanyl

The use of these substances significantly increases the risk of poisoning. Multiple doses of naloxone may be needed to help reverse a poisoning. Street drugs may be cut or mixed with other substances such as fentanyl or carfentanil, benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, and medetomidine.  Even a very small amount of these substances can cause a poisoning.

A drug poisoning occurs when a person uses more of a substance, or a combination of substances than their body can handle. This can impair the brain’s ability to control basic life functions. As a result, the person may pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Poisonings can be either fatal or 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 Overdose Response Service at 1.888.688.6677 (NORS line). NORS is a virtual safe consumption line available 24/7 that provides confidential and non-judgmental 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. You can also 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 December 9, 2024