Fraser Health has issued a toxic drug alert for Maple Ridge.
The health authority said light brown granules sold as Down were found to contain very high concentrations of Carfentanil, a very toxic fentanyl analog.
According to the agency, carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than fentanyl. It is primarily used in veterinary medicine for large animals and is not intended for human use.
Naloxone can reverse its effects, but multiple doses may be necessary. And the agency advised to monitor a person’s breathing before administering more naloxone.
“Friends, family, and community members using unregulated substances may face increased risk of overdose from injection, inhalation, and ingestion,” said the health authority online.
If someone experiences a toxic drug poisoning, 911 should be called immediately and people are asked to stay with the person overdosing.
For more information on toxic drug alerts and ways to prevent a toxic drug poisoning go to: fraserhealth.ca/ODalerts.