Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 63 Be careful when handling fentanyl, as it can be absorbed into the skin. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth, because even a small amount can cause serious health problems, or death. Fentanyl can be a deadly drug especially if used illegally and/or improperly. Can I test my drugs for fentanyl? There are no tests available to the general public that can check for fentanyl. Is this drug safe if it is prescribed by a doctor? Yes, fentanyl is safe if it is prescribed and used correctly. This drug should be taken only if prescribed by a licensed prescriber (such as a doctor or nurse practitioner) and used as instructed. However, a person must be careful if using other drugs at the same time, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, illegal drugs or over-the-counter drugs. When fentanyl is combined with other drugs/alcohol, there could be side effects which could make using the drug unsafe. To keep others safe, make sure that all drugs are kept out of reach of children and pets. Why are you giving this information now? Fentanyl can be very toxic and there has been a rise in the number of fentanyl-related deaths in Saskatchewan and Canada.This means that there may be more of this drug in our province, which can increase the danger, especially to people who use illegal drugs. Who can I contact if I need help regarding drug use? Publicly funded Take Home Naloxone kits are available to eligible Saskatchewan residents at no cost. Naloxone is a drug used to rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdose (including fentanyl) and to restore breathing, usually in two to five minutes. It is the standard treatment for an opioid overdose. Anyone can receive the training. For more information about the publicly funded Take Home Naloxone kits please contact your Addictions/Mental Health Services office. To locate Addictions/Mental Health Services near you: • Visit www.saskatchewan.ca/addictions. • Visit HealthLine Online at healthlineonline.ca. • Call HealthLine at 811. Specially trained staff are available to provide mental health and addictions crisis support, in a safe and confidential manner. Who can I contact if I suspect someone is selling fentanyl? To report illicit activity associated with fentanyl use you may contact Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers. Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers is 100% anonymous and does not subscribe to call display nor are your calls traced or recorded.Web and Text Tips are encrypted. Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), text TIP206 and your message to CRIMES (274637), or you can submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com where you can also view other unsolved crimes. Photo provided by the Regina Integrated Drug Enforcement Street Team. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FENTANYL continued NOTE:This material is for information only and should not replace advice from an Addictions or Mental Health Counsellor, doctor or other health care provider. Fact sheet content has been used with permission of the B.C. Centre for Disease Control and Alberta Health Services (Poison and Drug Information Service).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==