The North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit is warning the public that the deadly opioid carfentanil is suspected in North Bay.
This would be the first unconfirmed case of carfentanil overdose in the area.
A patient presented to the North Bay Regional Health Centre emergency department experiencing unfamiliar effects after injecting what the person believed to be cocaine. Very large doses of the reversal agent naloxone (also known as narcan) were successfully administered.
“The public needs to be aware that carfentanil cannot be detected by sight, smell or taste, and even the smallest amount, as little as two milligrams of the substance, can be lethal” explains Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health. “Please use caution to reduce the risk of overdose.”
The Health Unit would like to warn drug users, including recreational users, of the following:
- If using drugs, have someone available who can call for help.
- Test by injecting a small amount first, then go slow.
- Call 911 immediately if something doesn’t feel right.
- If someone has decreased breathing, call 911 and give naloxone.
- Do not assume your drugs are carfentanil free - any drug could be mixed with a lethal amount of carfentanil.
Dr. Tim Percival, Chief of Emergency Medicine at the North Bay Regional Health Centre stresses that naloxone kits, while effective in most opioid overdose situations, are no match for the deadly effects of carfentanil. “All suspected cases of carfentanil overdoses should be seen in the emergency department,” warns Dr. Percival.
The Health Unit is working with the North Bay Police Service, the North Bay Regional Health Centre, and the AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area to address this issue.
