Eastern Ontario health officials warn of 'extremely toxic' drugs

Health officials in eastern Ontario are warning of a record number of overdoseslinked to a batch of "extremelytoxic" drugs circulating in the region.

Toxicology reports have shown thepresence of fentanyl, carfentaniland benzodiazepineinthe drugs, the Kingston, Frontenac andLennox & Addington(KFL&A) Public Health unit wrote in a news release Monday.

There's been a record number of complex opioid overdoses linked to these drugs since late April, the health unit wrote, adding the illicit drug supply has been "more contaminated and unpredictable" since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The health unit didn't say whether any of the overdoses had been fatal.

"These overdoses may occur instantly and result in prolonged sedation, incontinence, and disorientation that can last for hours," the health unit wrote.

Because the drugscould be mixed with others such as benzodiazepines,which are often used as sedatives and tranquillizers,a person may not respond as quickly to naloxone, it told CBC.

Health officials said the dangerous drugs could be any colour, but have most recently appearedbeige or yellow-coloured.

Carry a naloxone kit

The warning comes amidasurge in overdoses and deaths since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public Health Ontario reported a 38.2 per cent increase in opioid-related overdoses in the first 15 weeks of the pandemic.

Despite public healthguidelines about distancing, the health unit is warning people not to use drugs alone. It's also warning people not tomix drugs, and to limit their intake to very small amounts.

KFL&A Public Healthalsoadvises people tocarry a naloxone kit and ensure someone knows how to use it.

"In some cases, multiple doses of naloxone may be needed to reverse an overdose," the health unit said.

Find out where to get a naloxone kit here.