Public health officials have issued a province-wide drug alert after laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of two new, unapproved substances in Ontario’s unregulated drug supply.
The alert, issued by Public Health Sudbury & Districts on Friday, warns that Toronto’s Drug Checking Service identified the substances: N-Propionitrile chlorphine, also known as cychlorphine, and Deschlorodemethyldiazepam.
Potent, unapproved drugs
The first substance, N-Propionitrile chlorphine, is an opioid that is as strong as or stronger than fentanyl. The second, Deschlorodemethyldiazepam, is a benzodiazepine. Neither substance is approved for pharmaceutical use.
“The use of these substances significantly increases the risk of poisoning,” the health unit said in the alert, warning that multiple doses of naloxone may be needed to help reverse an opioid poisoning and that street drugs may be cut or mixed with other potent substances like fentanyl, carfentanil or xylazine.
How to prevent drug poisoning
Public health officials outlined several steps to reduce risk. They advise carrying a naloxone kit, which is available for free at locations like The Point, the Réseau ACCESS Network and many local pharmacies and hospitals.
To locate where free naloxone kits are available near you, visit the Government of Ontario’s opioids webpage.
Other recommended strategies include avoiding mixing substances, starting with a lower dose and avoiding using drugs alone.
The alert also suggests having a trusted person nearby or using a virtual safe consumption service such as the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677.
Recognizing and responding to an overdose
Knowing the signs of drug poisoning is critical and depending on the type of substance consumed, symptoms may vary.
Opioid poisoning symptoms:
- bluish, purple or greyish skin, lips or nails (depending on skin tone)
- dizziness, confusion or inability to stay awake
- choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
- slow, weak or no breathing
Benzodiazepines toxicity poisoning symptoms
A poisoning due to benzodiazepines (benzos) toxicity may last for hours and look like:
- extreme sleepiness or passing out
- poor balance or movement control
- slurred speech
- blackouts and memory loss
If a poisoning is suspected, health officials say call 911 immediately, stay with the person, and administer naloxone if available.
“Give naloxone. It won’t cause harm if opioids aren’t involved,” public health said, adding that multiple doses may be required and the person may not wake up right away due to sedation.
The public is urged to share the warning to help raise awareness and reduce the risk of drug poisonings.
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