Drug poisoning warning issued in Sudbury, Manitoulin

A stock photo illustrating the opioid crisis. (File photo/ShutterStock/Thomas Andre Fure)

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has issued a drug warning following an increase in overdoses and unexpected reactions to substances across the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts.

The cause of the increase remains unknown.

“This serves as an important reminder that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, medetomidine, fentanyl, or carfentanil,” the health unit said in a public notice.

The warning follows tainted drug alerts in the Nipissing-Parry Sound District, where 13 overdoses, including three deaths, were reported between March 30 and April 4.

Signs of drug poisoning

Official officials said that different substances affect the body in different ways and symptoms may vary depending on the type of substance consumed.

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

Benzodiazepine poisoning symptoms (may last for hours):

• Extreme sleepiness or passing out
• Poor balance or movement control
• Slurred speech
• Blackouts and memory loss

Increase in emergency calls

Community partners have reported an increase in naloxone distribution, emergency medical services calls for suspected drug poisonings and adverse reactions such as heavy sedation.

There have also been reports of more complex drug poisonings that do not respond to naloxone.

Two new substances have been identified in Ontario’s drug supply: nefopam (a non-opioid pain reliever) and etodezitramide (a synthetic opioid related to cyclorphine).

How to reduce risk

The local health authority advises people who use drugs to take the following steps:

• Avoid using drugs when alone. Have a trusted person nearby or use a virtual safe consumption service like the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677.
• Carry a naloxone kit. It can help reverse an opioid poisoning.
• Start with a lower dose and go slow.
• Avoid mixing substances, including alcohol, prescription, over-the-counter and street drugs.
• Free naloxone kits are available at The Point, Réseau ACCESS Network, local hospitals, and pharmacies.

How to respond to a poisoning

“Call 911. Stay with the person. Monitor their breathing until help arrives,” the health unit said.

If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position. Naloxone will not cause harm if opioids are not involved. The person may not wake up right away due to sedation, and more doses may be needed.

More information on how to use naloxone and where to access it can be found on the health unit’s website.

The health unit also asked residents to share the warning to help raise awareness and reduce the risk of drug poisonings.