SEPH warns cocaine sample contained fluorofentanyl and other drugs

A sample taken by Consumption and Treatment Services in Kingston found an alarming combination of stimulant, hallucinogenic and depressant substances.

Justine McIsaac, coordinator of the Kingston Consumption and Treatment Services site, reports that the local sample was submitted to Toronto’s Drug Checking Services for confirmatory testing.  Results showed the sample contained fluorofentanyl, MDMA, medetomidine, ketamine, caffeine, and phenacetin. Effects of these drugs may include increased heart rate and blood pressure, severe nausea, vomiting, sweating, sedation, tremors, hallucinations, paranoia, psychosis, confusion, disorientation, and memory loss. The presence of potent opioids like fluorofentanyl can cause life-threatening respiratory suppression. This mixture may also increase the risk of assault and traumatic injuries due to impaired judgment and sensory distortion. A similar mixture may be seen in so-called “pink cocaine” (also known as tusi or 2C) but is unusual and especially concerning in a sample that appeared to be and was expected to be cocaine.

SEPH emphasizes the ongoing unpredictability and toxicity of the unregulated drug supply. Naloxone should always be administered when opioid poisoning is suspected. While naloxone will not reverse the effects of non-opioid substances, it can counteract opioids that may be present.

In addition to informing key partners, including the public, promoting access to naloxone kits and other harm reduction measures, and continuing efforts to prevent drug-related harms, SEPH is urging people to:

• Avoid using alone. Roughly 75 per cent of opioid poisoning deaths happen when no one is there to help. If you use alone, tell someone before you do, and have a safety plan that includes having someone check in on you. Alternatives may include:

• • Using with a friend or family member present or virtually, staggering use if both are using drugs.
  • Using a supervised consumption service:

• • • In-person at Consumption and Treatment Services at 661 Montreal St. in Kingston – drug checking services are available.
    • Virtually by calling the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-NORS (6677).

• Avoid using more than one drug at a time, including alcohol.
• Go slow. The quality of unregulated drugs is very unpredictable.
• Get a free naloxone kit and training. Always carry it with you. Consider carrying multiple doses of naloxone.
• Call 911 immediately if you suspect drug poisoning to ensure emergency medical treatment is provided.

If you have a friend or family member who uses drugs, please share the above safety information with them.

For more information on harm reduction, visit the website of the region nearest you:

• Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington

• Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Region
• Hastings and Prince Edward Counties
• Or reach out to your local health unit office for more information and resources

 About supervised consumption services

Supervised consumption services are supportive services that allow people to engage in the supervised consumption of their substances. This supervision reduces the likelihood of harmful outcomes like fatal drug poisonings and is an extension of existing harm reduction programs that provide easy-to-access, life-saving harm reduction services in a stigma-free environment, to help reduce the large number of opioid and other substance-related deaths.

Kingston’s Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) provides:

• Supervised consumption services including drug poisoning response if needed
• Harm reduction education and supplies, including disposal of used supplies
• Naloxone
• Connection with community support workers
• Drug checking

Kingston’s CTS is located within the Integrated Care Hub at 661 Montreal Street in Kingston. Anyone is welcome to come to the CTS, which is open seven days a week, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. CTS is a drop-in service and does not require an appointment or a referral to access the site.

The National Overdose Response Service  is a phone-based virtual safe consumption service. The service is available by calling the toll-free number 24/7 across Canada. Trained peer volunteers answer calls, assist in making a safety plan, and stay on the line with the person for approximately 20 to 35 minutes. Safety plans can include a community response (someone you trust nearby with Naloxone) or an EMS dispatch. The volunteer will check in with the person every few minutes and will follow the agreed-on safety plan if the person becomes unresponsive.

 

NORS virtual safe consumption line: 1-888-688-6677

For more information: https://www.nors.ca/