Interior Health issues drug alert for the Kootenays

(Image Credit: Interior Health)

Interior Health is warning of a toxic drug supply circulating in the Kootenays.

The substance, sold as “Down,” contains high levels of fluorofentanyl and medetomidine and has been linked to multiple overdoses.

Looks Like:      All colours – chunks, pebbles, powder.

Sold as:             Down, Dope, Tranq, Fentanyl.

Contains:          Medetomidine (up to seven per cent), Fluorofentanyl (up to 50 per cent), and Benzodiaepines.

Risk:                    High risk of overdose and fatal overdose. Other risks include dizziness, nausea, amnesia, confusion, sleepiness, heavy sedation, and nodding out for a long time.

“Down has been increasingly found to contain high amounts of fentanyl/fentanyl analogues and medetomidine, as well as many types of benzodiazepines,” said Interior Health.

“Medetomidine can slow both breathing and heart rate, making overdoses more complex and prolonged. It can also have serious effects on the heart.

“The combination of fentanyl/fentanyl analogues, medetomidine and benzodiazepines can lead to significant sedation. Sedation may last beyond administration of naloxone.”

If you have a drug that looks like the photo below, get it checked before using.

Find out where at drugchecking.ca.

(Image Credit: Interior Health)