Health ministry issues overdose risk for Saskatoon and area

Saskatchewan Ministry of Health issued a risk of overdose risk after fentanyl and benzos were found in a test sample.

According to the ministry’s statement, Prairie Harm Reduction has reported multiple overdoses per day from several different substances.

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“The substances have resulted in overdoses that require medical attention: difficult to reverse with naloxone and/or requiring multiple doses of naloxone. It is suspected that some substances may contain carfentanil,” read the statement.

The substance, sold as fentanyl, looks like pink and purple chunk/rocks and/or brown chunks.

In one fentanyl sample, benzodiazepines (benzos) was detected.

The alert warns of high risk of overdose or death.

The press release said naloxone will counter effects of fentanyl, but not benzodiazepines.

This alert will remain in effect until Oct. 3.

The ministry said some of the risks “can be reduced, but not eliminated” by getting a take-home naloxone kit, calling the National Overdose Response Service if using drugs alone, taking advantage of drug-checking services and sharing the alert.

“The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose or who witness an overdose,” read the statement.

In April, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced legislation that would classify fentanyl, methamphetamine and hypodermic needles as categories of “street weapons.”

The act was passed in the spring and came into force Aug. 1.

“The government recognizes that many items used as street weapons have legitimate, legal purposes. The legislation contains appropriate exemptions to ensure these items can continue to be used for their lawful purposes, such as medical treatment, food preparation and protection from wildlife threats,” the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice explained in a statement.

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