Updated on December 8, 2022
Anything can be cut with fentanyl or carfentanil. There is no way to be sure of what is exactly in drugs obtained from anywhere other than a pharmacy or government retailer (such as an OCS). If you get them from a friend, order them online, buy them from a dealer, or anywhere similar, you don’t know how toxic they may be.
Counterfeit pills can be made to look almost identical to prescription opioids and other medications. Illicit fentanyl is often made as a powder and mixed with other drugs (like heroin, cocaine or crack). It can also be pressed into pills and sold as 'oxycodone' (OxyContin, oxys, Percocet, percs, 80s) or other pills, including speed and ecstasy/MDMA.
There is no easy way to know if fentanyl is in the drugs you are using. You can't see it, smell it or taste it. A very small amount of the powder can cause an overdose.
How to reduce your risk | ||||||||
If you use opioids, you can reduce your risk of overdose death by: Not using alone.
Don't mix drugsDon't mix drugs with other drugs or alcohol. Mixing with other drugs puts you at higher risk of overdose.
Go slowThe quality of illicit drugs is unpredictable. Fentanyl is being cut (mixed) into both opioid and non-opioid drugs like powder and mixed into cocaine, heroin, and crack or like pills and being sold as 'oxycodone' (80s, oxys) or other pills including ecstasy/MDMA.
Carry naloxoneNaloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is available free to persons who use drugs and their family and friends! Know your toleranceTolerance is the body's ability to handle the effects of the drug being used. Tolerance to a drug develops over time. Drug tolerance will decrease when somebody has taken a break from using - whether intentionally or unintentionally (for example, while in treatment, at the hospital or in jail). Your tolerance will also change depending on:
Use less drugs when your tolerance may be lower. Your risk of overdose increases if you are new to using drugs or haven't used in a while! Be awareDrugs can be tampered with at any point. People selling drugs may not be aware if it has been mixed with anything before they sell it to you. |
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Signs and symptoms of an overdose | ||||||||
An overdose may look different from one person to the next and depending on the drugs involved. An overdose is a medical emergency. Always call 911.
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How to respond to an opioid overdose | ||||||||
5 Steps to Save a Life and the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose ActWhat to do in case of overdoseCOVID-19 Pandemic recommendations when responding to an overdose. Remember to put on the non-latex gloves that come in your naloxone kit before you respond. 1. Shout the person’s name and shake their shoulders. 2. Call 9-1-1 right away if unresponsive. 3. Give naloxone:
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4. Perform chest compressions only (not rescue breaths). 5. Is it working? If no improvement after 2-3 minutes, repeat steps 3 and 4. 6. Stay with them. If the person begins breathing on their own, or if you have to leave the person at any time, put them in the recovery position. The recovery position helps keep a person's airway open so they can breathe and can prevent them from choking on vomit or spit. For more services and resources, visit the Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Services and Resources webpage. Visit the COVID-19 Main Page for more information and current situation. Recovery Position
It is important to stay with a person after giving them naloxone for the following reasons:
Learn about tips on how to respond to overdoses of a stimulant (PDF) like cocaine, crystal meth, speed, MDMA, or Ritalin. |
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Naloxone | ||||||||
An overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency. Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, but it does not cure an overdose. If anyone suspects or witnesses a person experiencing a drug overdose, call 911 and administer naloxone, even if the drug consumed is unknown. Example of opioids include heroin, morphine, codeine, Percocet, methadone, fentanyl, carfentanil, etc. Being able to recognize the signs of an overdose quickly and having a naloxone kit can save a life. Naloxone can buy time while paramedics are en route. Take-home naloxone kits do not replace the need for emergency care or minimize the importance of calling 911.
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Where to get a Naloxone kit | ||||||||
In Ontario, naloxone is available for free through programs like Peer Overdose Prevention Program (POPP). It is available to persons who could be at risk of an overdose and to people who could help someone who is overdosing. When you get your kit, you will also receive training on overdose prevention, recognizing an overdose and how to respond. Below is a list of places where you can get a free naloxone kit in Ottawa: Ottawa Public Health's Site Needle & Syringe ProgramFree kits and training available for clients and their family or friends.
Local Ottawa PharmaciesGet a free kit and training at a participating pharmacy near you by:
Once you have located a pharmacy, Ottawa Public Health suggests you call ahead to make sure that they currently have naloxone available. Online TrainingNaloxoneCare.com is an online learning portal to help individuals learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose and how to give naloxone. You can get a free nasal naloxone kit once the training is completed. St John's Ambulance and Sobeys Pharmacy OrleansFree monthly opioid awareness and naloxone training sessions.
The Ottawa HospitalTraining and naloxone kits available for registered patients at risk of overdose. Sandy Hill Community Health Centre's Oasis Overdose Prevention ServiceNaloxone kits available through walk-in services Monday-Friday.
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Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act | ||||||||
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects you, the person who is overdosing, and anyone at the scene from being charged with:
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act does not provide protection against charges for:
For more information, visit the Government of Canada website. |
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