Prince George placed under Drug Advisory by Northern Health

A Drug Advisory has been issued for Prince George by Northern Health.

They said in a news release a pressed, white, 8-milligram tablet sold as Dilaudid/Dilly tested positive for fentanyl.

The pill looks similar to a prescription Dilaudid or Hydromorphone.

Dr. Rakel Kling is a Medical Health Officer with Northern Health.

“The most important thing right now is don’t use alone, make sure to use with someone who can reverse the overdose if you do happen to have an overdose, and make sure to carry naloxone with you.”

Dr. Kling says to also use at a supervised consumption facility where possible such as the Prince George Harm Reduction Clinic or Two Doors Down.

She adds illegal substances being sold are heavily contaminated, making it more important to follow the overdose prevention measures.

Other safety tips provided by Northern Health include:

• Get overdose prevention, recognition, and response training; carry naloxone.
• If you plan to use alone, use the Lifeguard or BeSafe app available free on the app store or on the Toward the Heart website or call NORS (National Overdose Response Service) at 1-888-688-6677.
• Know your tolerance. If you are sick or had a time of abstinence or reduced use, use much less.
• When possible, avoid mixing drugs or mixing drugs with alcohol.
• Test a small amount first, start low and go slow.
• Take into account potential decreased tolerance and isolation due to cold weather.
• Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses

Local support and Overdose Prevention Sites include:

• Prince George Harm Reduction Clinic (needle exchange)
  Address: 277 George St, Prince George, BC V2L 1R1
  Phone: 250-645-3810
  Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 11:30 am, and 1:15 pm to 6:30 pm
• Mobile harm reduction supplies (The wellness or outreach truck)
  Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7 pm to 11:30 pm
• Two Doors Down
  Address: 1126 3rd Ave, Prince George, BC
  Drug Checking: Wednesday to Saturday, 1 pm to 5 pm

More information can be found on Northern Health’s website here.