45 suspected overdoses in Waterloo Region prompts second community drug alert extension

A naloxone kit is shown in this 2017 file photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Another death in Waterloo Region is being attributed to a potential drug-related poisoning.

A Community Drug Alert that was initially issued on March 16 has been extended for the second time as experts worry the illegal drug supply could be tainted.

There were 45 suspected drug overdoses and one suspected drug-related death in the region between April 3 and April 6.

Sanguen’s Drug Checking Program found fentanyl samples that contained unexpected levels of non-opioids, such as medetomidine, benzodiazepines and nitazenes, and opioids, such as carfentanil and parafluorofentanyl.

Drugs that were very dark purple, dark blue or pink were noted as particularly troubling.

Some people who used the drugs said they felt confused or agitated and experienced memory loss.

Others needed medical help after they became heavily sedated.

The Community Drug Alert also said some people had complex withdrawal symptoms that included chest pain, a high heart rate or blood pressure, and persistent vomiting.

Anyone who believes they may have consumed one of these substances is encouraged to seek medical help.

If someone is experiencing an overdose, Naloxone should be administered and a 911 call should be made.

Naloxone can temporarily reverse the symptoms of an opioid overdose. It is important to seek medical help after administering the potentially life-saving drug. A person experiencing an overdose may also need more than one dose of Naloxone. According to the Government of Canada, it only works if a person has opioids in their system, and Naloxone cannot be improperly used or create dependence.