Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful prescription painkiller about 100 X more toxic than morphine. It is now being imported and sold illegally with tragic consequences.
Facts on Fentanyl
- Fentanyl has been mixed with other drugs such as heroin and cocaine.
- It has been used in tablets made to look like prescription drugs.
- Overdoses have occurred where individuals were not aware they were consuming fentanyl.
- It is odourless and tasteless, and therefore hard to detect.
- It is often found in powder, pill, liquid and blotter form.
- 2 milligrams of pure fentanyl (the size of about 4 grains of salt) is enough to kill the average adult.
- Unintentional exposure to pure fentanyl – touching or inhaling – can cause serious harm including death.
- Fentanyl-related deaths have been increasing in Canada.
Overdoses
If you suspect an overdose call 911 immediately.
Some signs and symptoms include:
- Severe sleepiness
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Lips and nails turn blue
- Person is unresponsive
- Gurgling sounds or snoring
- Cold and clammy skin
- Tiny pupils
Naloxone
Surrey RCMP officers have access to Naloxone, a drug that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone wears off within 30 to 90 minutes, so it is important to seek further medical attention.
Other Resources
- Know Your Source
- Surrey Libraries - Mental Health and Substance Use Services
- Province of British Columbia – Overdose Awareness
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