Northern Health has issued an urgent drug advisory for the Prince George areaits second this week, after a white, pressed 8mg tablet sold as Dilaudid or Dilly tested positive for fentanyl. The counterfeit pill closely resembles prescription Dilaudid or hydromorphone, which are commonly used for pain management, but this version carries a significant overdose risk due to the presence of fentanyl, a potent opioid.
Northern Health is urging residents to take extra precautions when using substances and to be aware of the increased danger posed by these counterfeit pills. Fentanyl is highly potent, and even a small amount can lead to a fatal overdose.
Safety tips
- Get overdose prevention, recognition, and response training; carry naloxone.
- Try not to use alone. Make a plan and tell a buddy who can call for help if needed.
- If you plan to use alone, use the Lifeguard or BeSafe app available free on the app store or on 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.
- Use in an Overdose Prevention Site (OPS), see below for hours.
- Get your drugs checked at Two Doors Down, see below for hours.
- Take into account potential decreased tolerance and isolation due to cold weather.
- Call 911 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses
Local supports and overdose prevention sites
- Prince George Harm Reduction Clinic (needle exchange): 277 George St., 250-645-3810, Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and 1:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. OPS by request/door service: Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. OPS/Drop-in: Monday to Saturday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Nursing services by appointment: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with open clinic hours 1:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
- Mobile harm reduction supplies (The wellness or outreach truck): Monday to Saturday, 7 pm to 11:30 pm
- Two Doors Down: 1126 3rd Ave. OPS/Drop-in: Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Drug checking: Wednesday to Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
