Northern Health and the First Nations Health Authority have issued a drug advisory for the Northwest region of British Columbia, including Haida Gwaii, after drug checking confirmed the presence of medetomidine in substances sold as “down.”
Medetomidine is a powerful non-opioid sedative that can cause deep and prolonged sedation, extremely low heart rate, or no detectable pulse. Health officials warn it significantly increases the risk of complex and fatal overdose events.
Northern Health says overdose risk is increased whether drugs are smoked, injected, or snorted. Overdoses involving medetomidine may not respond to naloxone, or may require multiple doses. Anyone witnessing an overdose is urged to call 911 immediately, even if naloxone has been administered.
People are advised not to use alone, not to mix drugs or combine them with alcohol, and to test a small amount first. Those who are sick or who have not used recently are urged to use much less, as reduced tolerance increases overdose risk.
For people who use alone, health officials recommend using the Lifeguard app, a free smartphone app that can automatically alert emergency services if a user becomes unresponsive, or calling the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-6677, a 24-hour peer-run support line for Canadians using substances alone.
Community members are encouraged to connect with local support providers for naloxone kits. On Haida Gwaii, free naloxone kits and harm reduction supports are available through Northern Health services, including Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre in Daajing Giids, Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre in Masset, Skidegate Health Centre, Old Massett Health Centre, and community mental health and substance use programs, as well as through Northern Health partners such as Island Wellness Society in Daajing Giids and the Haida Gwaii Society for Community Peace in Masset. Naloxone kits may also be available at participating community pharmacies in Masset and Daajing Giids, and residents are encouraged to call ahead to confirm availability.
