Reports of overdoses in the Cobourg area, possibly due to “teal-coloured fentanyl,” are causing local health officials to raise alarm.
The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit is issuing an alert, given that there is fentanyl in question that may be contaminated with toxic substances, or of inconsistent or increased potency, which can cause more severe overdose reactions. Police have confirmed this form of fentanyl is circulating in the community.
Substance and Harm Reduction Co-ordinator Catherine MacDonald expressed the health unit's concern over the presence of so-called teal-coloured fentanyl in the area, “and the fact that more overdose incidents could occur if people aren’t aware and extra vigilant that potentially toxic substances are present in our community.”
The Health Unit reminds anyone who uses drugs (or those who know someone who does) to follow these safety tips:
Test a small amount of drug before you use.
Never use alone.
Ensure that 9-1-1 can be contacted in the event of an overdose.
Avoid mixing your drugs.
Keep a naloxone kit on hand (available at most pharmacies and needle-exchange sites).
If you are alone, call the National Overdose Response Service virtual safe consumption at 1-888-668-NORS (6677),or use a buddy system and call a friend.
Naloxone is an emergency medicine that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose until the victim can get to hospital for treatment. Many local police and emergency responders already carry naloxone, and free kits are also available to people who use opioids (as well as their family and friends) at participating pharmacies in Kawartha Lakes. To find exact locations for free naloxone kits, visit www.ontario.ca/naloxone.
MacDonald also encourages people to intervene if they see someone who is overdosing. They should call 9-1-1 and give the person naloxone. She noted that the Good Samaritan Act protects anyone trying to help in an emergency from being charged for possessing or using drugs.
Signs of an overdose include: very large or very small pupils, slow or no breathing, cold and clammy skin, blue or purple fingernails or lips, and snoring or gurgling sounds. Often in drug overdoses, it is also difficult to wake up the person.