BLUE/PURPLE FENTANYL PILLS

February 2, 2022 – Halifax, NS

We have received a report of blue/purple fentanyl pills causing increased drug poisonings in Halifax, NS on January 29th and 30th, 2022. These tainted pills could still be circulating throughout the Atlantic provinces.

Please follow these tips for safer use:

-Don’t use alone, if possible. 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. Or call NORS (www.nors.ca) to have someone supervise your use over the phone.

-Visit ReFIX Halifax Overdose Prevention Site if in the area. Address: 2107 Brunswick St. Halifax; Phone: 902-209-9370

-Use fentanyl testing strips beforehand if they are available in your community.

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

-Have naloxone available, even if you aren’t intentionally using opioids. Although naloxone only works to reverse opioid overdoses, there is no harm in administering it if you are unsure what kind of overdose you are witnessing. 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.