Fake Dilaudid pills suspected in fatal overdose in Nova Scotia

A Nova Scotia Health logo is pictured. (Source: Facebook/Nova Scotia Health)

Nova Scotia Health says fake Dilaudid pills are believed to be connected to a fatal overdose in the region between Enfield and Shubenacadie.

The health authority says it received a report from a community source about the overdose and a large amount of fake pills in the area.

According to the Government of Canada, Dilaudid pills, which contain hydromorphone, are used to manage pain.

“Counterfeit pills (fake or ‘pressed pills’) are potentially harmful,” Nova Scotia Health said in a social media post. “They are made to look identical to prescription pills, but they contain unexpected drugs and fillers.

“Counterfeit hydromorphone tablets (D8s, ‘dillies’) may contain drugs like fentanyl, nitazenes, benzos or vet tranquilizers like xylazine or medetomidine. It can be hard to tell if a pill is real or fake. Assume all drugs from the internet or street supply are fake and could be stronger than you expect.”

Nova Scotia Health said naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose, but won’t work on substances like benzodiazepines.

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