Dr. Heather Morrison concerned about powerful new opioid found on P.E.I.

P.E.I.'s chief public health officer is encouraging Islanders who use illicit drugs to get them checked and to never use alone after a powerful synthetic opioid was recently found in the province.

The drug, N-desethyl Isotonitazene/A-benzimidazole, is 20 times more potent than fentanyl, Dr. Heather Morrison told host Mitch Cormier on Island Morning. 

"We're all concerned about these products and what they mean in terms of risk for those who may be using [them]," said Morrison. 

She said she expects more of these types of powerful illicit drugs to come to P.E.I. 

"They are so much more potent — and people can accidentally consume them and not realize they're so potent and dangerous — and overdose."

Earlier this month, RCMP announced they seized N-desethyl Isotonitazene/A-benzimidazole during a drug bust in Stratford on May 28. 

The tablets were white and triangular with rounded corners, stamped on one side with P|d and on the other with Ɛ3.

Naloxone kits expanded

The provincial government recently expanded its free take-home naloxone kits to more pharmacies around P.E.I., said Morrison. 

The kits are also available at some community sites, and through the Health P.E.I. Needle Exchange Program.

Morrison said naloxone works to reverse the effects of an overdose from this new, stronger drug — though more doses may be required. 

"Naloxone works well, but it depends on how much fentanyl or how much opioid is on board. Some will require you to have more," she said. 

Naloxone kits given out on P.E.I. now have three vials instead of two, which is in step with national guidance to help manage increased drug potency, Morrison said. 

No decision on supervised consumption site

Morrison said there has been no decision made about whether a supervised injection site will open in Charlottetown — after city council rejected the most recent proposed location for a site last fall. 

"It doesn't change all the other important things that we're doing to try to reduce the risk of overdoses," she said,  including education, naloxone kits, and drug-checking services. 

There are also virtual services like the National Overdose Response Service and the B.C.-based Brave mobile app that people can use if they don't have someone who can supervise their consumption in person, Morrison said. 

"What we're trying to do every day in our office is trying to protect all Islanders," she said. 

Possession of N-desethyl Isotonitazene/A-benzimidazole is illegal, but RCMP encourage anyone who knows about the presence of the drug to call 911 or contact Crime Stoppers if they wish to remain anonymous.