REGINA, Sask. — A drug alert has been issued for Regina after three people died in suspected toxic drug overdoses on Aug. 29.
According to information from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, the Saskatchewan Coroners Service reported three fatalities suspected to have been caused by toxic drug overdoses.
The deaths indicate a heightened risk of overdose and death from drugs circulating in the Regina area, including suspected cocaine, fentanyl or other unknown substances. Alcohol may also have been a contributing factor in one of the suspected overdoses.
The substances involved have not been confirmed.
According to the alert, substances encountered may appear as a cloudy liquid with white residue at the bottom or, in some cases, as solid residue.
Suspected substances include cocaine, fentanyl, alcohol or other unknown substances. They were reportedly administered through injection or inhalation.
How the drugs were sold is unknown, although cocaine is suspected in one case and fentanyl in another.
The province is warning there is a high risk of overdose and death associated with the substances.
Health officials are reminding people that naloxone can counter the effects of opioids such as fentanyl, but it does not reverse the effects of other substances such as cocaine.
Naloxone is recommended in all suspected overdoses when the substance involved is unknown. The province says naloxone will not harm a person experiencing an overdose if opioids are not involved.
Anyone who believes someone is overdosing should call 911 immediately.
Take Home Naloxone Kits are available in Saskatchewan, and residents can call HealthLine 811 to find locations where kits can be obtained.
People using drugs alone can also call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-NORS (6677).
The province noted the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection to people who seek emergency assistance during an overdose or who witness an overdose.
Information about drug-checking supplies and services is available through the Government of Saskatchewan's overdose resources.
Residents can also sign up to receive Saskatchewan drug alerts by texting JOIN to 1-833-35-B-SAFE (352-7233).
The Regina drug alert is scheduled to remain in effect until Sept. 7.
