Public health officials in the Quebec City region say they have detected the dangerous opioid protonitazepyne in pale green tablets that appear to imitate prescription oxycodone as shown in this handout image. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - CIUSSS de la Capitale-ºÃÉ«tve **MANDATORY CREDIT**
Public health officials in the Quebec City region say they have detected the dangerous opioid protonitazepyne in pale green tablets that appear to imitate prescription oxycodone as shown in this handout image. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - CIUSSS de la Capitale-ºÃÉ«tve **MANDATORY CREDIT**
MONTREAL - A synthetic opioid 25 times more powerful than fentanyl has made its way to the Quebec City region, where public health officials reported Saturday they have detected the dangerous compound in pale green tablets that mimic the appearance of other prescription opioids.
The Quebec City regional public health authority warned the compound, protonitazepyne, presents a high risk of overdose, which may require several doses of the life-saving medication naloxone.
Health Canada first detected the substance in 2023 and would go on to positively identify it in a total of 25 drug samples by the end of the year. Public health officials working in the Quebec City-area now say it has been increasingly found in the Montreal area since the beginning of 2024.
No overdoses in the Quebec City region have been linked to the protonitazepyne tablets, but officials say it presents a very real threat.
"However, it's clear that given the potency and the fact that it's in a tablet of something else, the risk of overdose is very high for people who would consume this tablet," Dr. Anne-Frédérique Lambert-Slythe with the Quebec City public health authority said in an interview.
Officials further warn that protonitazepyne does not show up on test strips designed to detect fentanyl.
The Quebec City public health authority is reiterating advice for people who use drugs to avoid consuming substances alone and to keep naloxone nearby. The medication is available for free at pharmacies.
This report by ºÃÉ«tvwas first published Feb. 10, 2024.
Note to readers: This story has been updated with a new photo. The original photo contained an alcohol prep pad. The alcohol pad is unrelated to the story.
The ºÃÉ«tv Press. All rights reserved.
Get the latest from ºÃÉ«tvNews in your inbox. Select the emails you're interested in below.
For many Indigenous communities, access to financial services and economic opportu…
Trust in international money transfers has long been tied to physical places: a ba…
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Tax: | |
| Today's total: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
