The BC Coroners Service is warning illicit drug users about the dangers of ingesting fentanyl.
The coroner says the danger is especially heightened in the Fraser Health Authority, including Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam and Maple Ridge.
13 deaths in the Fraser Health region have been attributed to fentanyl use in the first four months of this year alone.
The coroner is concerned people may be taking fentanyl, thinking they are taking heroin or oxycodone. The appearance is similar, and it’s often sold in similar packaging.
However, fentanyl is significantly more toxic than morphine, and it can easily be absorbed through skin and mucous membranes.
The coroner says people using illicit drugs should not use alone, and if injecting, to do it slowly. Ideally, they should go to a safe injection site such as Insite on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
On Tuesday, Vancouver Police issued a public warning to illicit drug users in that community after seven overdoses were recorded in just one day.
Early signs of a fentanyl overdose include severe sleepiness; slow heartbeat; trouble breathing or slow, shallow breathing or snoring; cold, clammy skin; and trouble walking or talking.
Naxolone, if administered immediately, can reverse the effects of fentanyl, but higher does may be needed, advises the coroner.
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