“This phenomenon is not new. However, since the end of October, three deaths potentially linked to the consumption of counterfeit tablets have been reported,” underlines the Montreal DRSP in an email sent to the media.
Authorities reportedly analyzed tablets similar in appearance to pharmaceutical opioid tablets and the analyzes revealed the presence of nitazenes, “synthetic opioids 20 to 25 times more toxic than fentanyl.”
“The risks of overdose and death are high for a person who consumes an opioid from the nitazene class without their knowledge,” warns the DRSP.
See also: Montreal paramedics witness dozens of overdoses per evening
Caution
The Montreal Regional Public Health Department warns street drug users: “It is often impossible to visually distinguish a pharmaceutical tablet from a counterfeit tablet, given the resemblance. Any tablets purchased on the illicit market may contain a substance (or mixture) other than that expected.
The DRSP of Montreal also emphasizes that, regardless of the substance consumed, naloxone is indicated when a person has difficulty breathing, snoring or does not breathe at all and/or has little or no reaction to noise and noise. pain.
“The person may also present with cyanosis (bluish lips and nails) and miosis (constricted pupils). These symptoms are likely to progress to cardio-respiratory arrest. In the event of an overdose, call 911 immediately for rapid and optimal intervention and administer naloxone if available,” advises the Montreal Regional Public Health Department.
Also read: Measures are insufficient to overcome the opioid crisis in Quebec
Advice from the Montreal DRSP to street drug users:
- Attend drug checking services;
- Regularly attend supervised consumption services;
- Avoid consuming alone (otherwise, notify a loved one, by telephone for example, and stay in contact during consumption);
- When several people are consuming, avoid consuming all at the same time;
- Reduce the dose of the drug to test its effects;
- Have sufficient naloxone available and know how to use it when someone shows signs of overdose.
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