SWEET TARTS & XANAX

March 8, 2021 – Halifax, NS

A community organization in the Halifax area witnessed two overdoses last night (March 7th). Both individuals are understood to have been using both “Sweet Tarts” with a clear coating, and yellow XANAX bars. The overdoses were not responsive to naloxone. Sweet Tarts – appear like the multicolored, chalk-like rocket candies with a clear coating which contains the substance. XANAX – yellow pills in a bar shape with the word “XANAX” pressed.

• Don’t use alone, if possible. Keep a distance of 2 meters and respect public health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 if using substances with others. If you have to use alone, call a trusted support person and let them know you are using alone and provide them with your location.

• Start with a test dose. Start low, go slow.

• Have naloxone available, even if you aren’t intentionally using opioids. Naloxone is available for free from most community pharmacies and other community locations, including needle distribution and disposal organizations. For more information about where to get a free naloxone kit and how to use it, visit http://www.nsnaloxone.com/

• Call 911 in the event of an overdose. Know your rights under the Good Samaritan Act.