With approximately 5 recent non-fatal overdoses suspected due to opioids in the NWT in the last month, a lab has confirmed the presence of carfentanil in at least one person.
According to a Public Health Advisory from the GNWT, Carfentanil is one of the most toxic opioids known, with studies showing it is 10,000 times more toxic than morphine, 4,000 times more toxic than heroin, and 100 times more toxic than fentanyl. Reversing carfentanil may require more than one dose of naloxone.
The advisory is to alert the public of the presence of carfentanil in illicit drugs in the NWT.
Carfentanil and other related synthetic compounds are extremely toxic and can cause immediate and unexpected overdose even in frequent users who have high levels of drug tolerance. Even small quantities can result in overdose and death. People who use substances can never be certain if the illicit drugs they purchase contain these substances.
Dr. Andy Delli Pizzi, Deputy Chief Public Health Officer noted that the confirmation of this drug in the NWT is very concerning to all those involved in addressing the opioid crisis.
“All those who use, provide, or are part of the response to illicit drug use in NWT, including experienced users, should be alarmed that carfentanil is present in NWT drugs.”
The public is warned against touching or handling in any way, any suspect substance. Unintentional exposure to pure fentanyl or carfentanil, including touching, ingesting, or inhaling, can cause serious harm including death.
The health advisory mentioned some signs and symptoms of overdose that include the following:
- Breathing will be slow or absent;
- Lips and nails are blue;
- Person is not moving;
- Person is choking;
- Gurgling sounds or snoring;
- Severe sleepiness
- Person can’t be woken up; or
- Skin feels cold and clammy.
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects people involved in an overdose from being charged for possession of a controlled substance. This law encourages anyone to call for help if they witness or experience an overdose.
Residents are reminded that Naloxone kits (opioid reversing agent) are available at all hospitals, health centers and pharmacies in the NWT. Note that naloxone is only effective in the case of an opioid overdose. However, if you are unsure of the substance(s) involved, it’s best to err on the side of caution and administer it. Naloxone is not known to cause any harm in the case of a non-opioid overdose. Carfentanil overdoses may require repeated doses of naloxone.
