***Drug Alert – Penticton – Sep 11, 2026***

Interior Heath has issued a DRUG ALERT for Penticton and surrounding area. Multiple samples of ‘down’ with varying colors contain high amounts of fluorofentanyl, medetomidine and benzodiazepine.

There is an increase in ‘down’ samples containing both medetomidine and benzodiazepines. Samples show extreme hotspots.

Medetomidine can slow both breathing and heart rate, making overdoses more complex and prolonged. It may also have serious effects on the heart.

The combination of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, benzodiazepine and medetomidine can lead to significant sedation. Sedation may last beyond administration of naloxone.

· No matter what or how you use (smoking, snorting, injecting) take steps to prevent overdose

· Check your drugs before using! Whether using take home fentanyl test strips or accessing drug checking services in your area, drug checking can inform you about what is in your drugs. Drug Checking services found at www.drugchecking.ca

·Know the signs of an overdose and be prepared with naloxone. Find out where to get naloxone on the ‘Towards the Heart’ website, under ‘Find a site’.

When using substances:

· Use with others around

· Use one person at a time so someone can respond to overdose if needed

· When using your substance start with a small amount, and then go slow.

· Know the risks when mixing drugs

· Smoking is not safer than injecting, be cautious when smoking your drugs

Resources

Safer drug use:

https://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/mental-health-and-substance-use/toxic-drug-crisis/overdose-prevention-and-treatmentfbclid=IwY2xjawURbtNwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTA5c2g2czE5RWF5RGFMaHFzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeOY7jKBdLZ0h3NQRb5TyN6MtzMvUPIzc1aOkuY2Raj59axAKZQiGzH_7hYV4_aem_EZN14INeZ3Quqt84dobN9Q

Naloxone:

https://towardtheheart.com/site-finder

Drug checking:

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