Southeast Public Health (SEPH) is alerting residents to reports of concerning substance-related effects and unregulated drugs testing positive for carfentanil locally.
Community partners in Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) and Hastings and Prince Edward (HPE), including the Kingston Consumption and Treatment Services site, have reported instances of heavier-than-expected sedation and temporary loss of consciousness among individuals using substances believed to be fentanyl from the unregulated drug supply.
This coincides with recent local drug-checking results confirming the presence of carfentanil in some expected fentanyl samples. Carfentanil, a highly potent synthetic opioid, is estimated to be up to 100 times stronger than fentanyl. Its presence significantly increases the risk of drug poisoning and death. Several doses of naloxone may be required to reverse the effects of carfentanil.
SEPH emphasizes the ongoing unpredictability and toxicity of the unregulated drug supply. Naloxone should always be administered when opioid poisoning is suspected. While naloxone will not reverse the effects of non-opioid substances, it can counteract opioids that may be present.
In addition to informing partners and the public, promoting access to naloxone kits and other harm reduction measures, and continuing efforts to prevent drug-related harms, SEPH is urging people to:
- Avoid using alone. Roughly 75 percent of opioid poisoning deaths happen when no one is there to help. If you use alone, tell someone beforehand and have a safety plan that includes having someone check in on you. Alternatives may include:
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- Using with a friend or family member present or virtually, staggering use if both are using drugs.
- Using a supervised consumption service in-person at Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) at 661 Montreal Street in Kingston, or virtually by calling the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-NORS (6677).
- Avoid using more than one drug at a time, including alcohol.
- Go slow. The quality of unregulated drugs is very unpredictable.
- Get a free naloxone kit and training. Always carry it with you. Consider carrying multiple doses of naloxone.
- Call 911 immediately if you suspect drug poisoning to ensure emergency medical treatment is provided.
If you have a friend or family member who uses drugs, please share the above safety information with them. We also advise that you obtain a free naloxone kit and training.
For more information on harm reduction, visit:
You can also reach out to your local health unit for more information and resources.
