Northern Health and the First Nations Health Authority have issued a toxic drug alert for Terrace after purple granules sold as “down” tested positive for a dangerous combination of substances.
The batch contains cychlorphine, medetomidine, and paraflurofentanyl, a fentanyl analogue. Health officials say the mix is highly toxic and can cause overdoses, along with heavy and prolonged sedation. It also requires more naloxone than usual to reverse an overdose.
Northern Health is asking people who use substances to take extra precautions, including:
- Getting trained to recognize and respond to an overdose, and carrying naloxone
- Not using alone — telling someone who can call for help if needed
- Using the free Lifeguard app, or calling the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677, for those using alone
- Testing a small amount first and going slow
- Avoiding mixing drugs, or mixing drugs with alcohol
- Using an overdose prevention site where possible
In Terrace, support is available through the Specialized Mental Health and Substance Use Outreach team, formerly known as ICMT, located at the Stepping Stones building, 101-4450 Greig Avenue. They can be reached at 250-631-4647.
Health officials say drugs can move between communities, and are asking people to share the alert widely.
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