Halton Region Public Health is advising clinicians, local hospitals, naloxone providers, community partners, and residents that nitazene, a highly potent synthetic opioid, has been detected in Halton Region’s unregulated drug supply. Overdoses with nitazene may be harder to reverse, often times requiring repeated doses of naloxone and longer monitoring.
“Opioids are a class of drugs that can cause life-threatening overdoses, especially when used outside of their prescribed or recommended amounts.” said Dr. Patrick Galange, Halton Region Associate Medical Officer of Health. “The presence of counterfeit opioids containing nitazene in Halton Region is extremely concerning. Consumption of nitazene may require more naloxone and a longer period of monitoring. Anyone who uses opioids, along with their family and friends, should carry naloxone, know the early signs of an overdose, and call 9-1-1 immediately if they suspect one. Opioids should only be taken as prescribed by healthcare providers, and should never be shared with others.”
The Region’s opioid overdose early warning system enables rapid detection of the opioid situation in Halton through collaboration among Halton Region, Halton Regional Police Service, local fire departments, hospitals, and other community partners. Through this partnership, Halton Region Public Health was advised that a quantity of counterfeit opioids have been seized from a North Halton residence.
People who use opioids, as well as their friends or family, can visit a Halton Region clinic in Burlington or Oakville, or Halton Region Harm Reduction Services during business hours to receive training and a naloxone kit. This service is also available anywhere in Halton Region by calling 311 or 905-330-3305.
Reduce your risk:
- Never use alone, having another person nearby can save your life.
- Know your tolerance, use a small amount of a drug first to check its strength. Remember that any drug can be cut with, or contaminated by, other drugs, which can be harmful or fatal.
- Carry naloxone, a drug that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone is available free-of-charge in Halton at:
- Call 9-1-1. An overdose is a medical emergency.
Free and confidential information about opioid treatment options in Halton is available at Halton Information Providers (external link) or Connex Ontario (external link). For more information on opioids, visit halton.ca or call 311.