Overdose alert issued in Ottawa for new opioid 10x more toxic than fentanyl

Health officials are warning about an increased risk of overdose related to the toxicity of the unregulated drug supply in Ottawa.

Ottawa Public Health (OPH), the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), and the Overdose Prevention and Response Taskforce issued this alert due to a type of opioid circulating.

This week, Health Canada detected the first sample of an emerging drug called “N-pyrrolidino etonitazene (etonitazepyne)” in Ottawa.

OPH said this substance is part of a class of drugs referred to as nitazene opioids, also known by its street name “Pyro.”
Here in the capital, the drug was found in unregulated counterfeit Hydromorphone M8 tablets.

The tablets are described as:

• White
• Three sided
• Labeled with an M and 8

Nitazenes are synthetic opioids about 10 times more toxic than fentanyl and between 1,000 to 1,500 times more toxic than morphine. Because of this toxicity, the risk of overdose increased and could require more naloxone.

OPH also warns that Nitazenes can be “cut” (mixed) into other unregulated drugs.

In 2024, an increase in the presence of nitazenes has been found in unregulated opioids expected to be oxycodone (OxyContin), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), hydrocodone and Percocet in Ontario.

How to respond to an overdose:

• In all cases of suspected overdose, call 9-1-1 right away for emergency help.
• Give naloxone if you have it. Naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and can be safely given to people who have taken non-opioid drugs (like benzodiazepines or xylazine).
• Perform chest compressions and/or rescue breathing, or CPR as needed.
• Give a repeat dose of naloxone every 2-3 minutes until the person responds or first responders arrive.
• Stay with the person until emergency help arrives. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for people seeking emergency support during an overdose.

Individuals who use drugs are reminded:

• Carry naloxone – Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone kits are available at no cost in Ontario. Please visit StopOverdoseOttawa.ca to find out how to get a naloxone kit.
• Don’t use alone – A buddy system is safer than using alone. If you are using with someone else, don’t use at the exact same time.
• If you do use alone – Tell someone before you use. Have a safety plan which includes having someone come check on you. You can also call the National Overdose Prevention Line at 1-888-688-NORS (6677) or connect with an anonymous virtual harm reduction supporter via the Brave App.
• If you choose to use – Consider visiting one of the four Supervised Consumption and Treatment Services locations in Ottawa.
• Get your drugs checked before using – Walk-in drug checking services are available at Sandy Hill Community Health Centre and for registered clients of Ottawa Inner City Health’s Consumption and Treatment Service.
• Don’t mix drugs – Using more than one drug at a time puts you at a higher risk of overdose.
• Know your tolerance – Your risk of overdose increases if you are a new user or haven’t used in more than three days.
• Go slow – The toxicity of unregulated drugs is unpredictable.

If you have a friend or family member who uses drugs, you are encouraged to: