London harm reduction workers warn of powerful sedative found in street fentanyl
Sedative Dexmedetomodine found in drug samples tested at Carepoint facility
Harm reduction workers in London are sounding the alarm after a powerful sedative was detected recently in the city's unregulated drug supply.
The potent sedative, known as dexmedetomodine, is approved for use in humans and animals in medical settings for sedation and pain relief.
In recent days, the drug was found in samples of street fentanyl tested at London's Carepoint Consumption and Treatment Service, said Martin McIntosh, the executive director of the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection, which runs Carepoint.
"The impact for this particular sedative can produce side effects including deep sleep, extreme disorientation, and prolonged unconsciousness that may not respond immediately to traditional Naloxone treatment," said McIntosh.
"We advise people to call 911, even though giving Naloxone is still a vital step in response to this, just to make sure that we are doing all we can to ensure the safety and the well-being of members of our community who use substances."
McIntosh said the messaging was an early warning, with the aim of alerting those using fentanyl to take extra precautions, including using with others, starting with small doses, or visiting Carepoint where substances can be tested and used in the presence of medical staff.
It's not clear when and where the sedative arrived in London's unregulated drug supply, but dexmedetomidine or medetomidine, another sedative, was found in Toronto's late last year.
It follows the discovery of the animal tranquilizer xylazine, also known as "tranq" or "tranq dope," in London's street fentanyl supply earlier this year. McIntosh said there's no indication it is still circulating in the city.
The warning comes amid a contentious federal election campaign that has seen London's addiction and homelessness crisis take centre stage.
Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, reiterated his plans during a campaign stop in London last month to defund harm reduction facilities such as Carepoint, along with prescribed alternative programs, also known by advocates and officials as safer supply.
London's safer opoid supply program, run by London InterCommunity Health Centre, is Canada's longest-running.
Poilievre has said he believes the programs are fuelling "chaos" on Canada's streets, and that he would take federal money spent on such programs and put it solely into recovery and treatment.
The Regional HIV/AIDS Connection has expressed support for London's safe supply program, which is now working with police and local health officials to review and improve its policies to prevent diversion.
"Making sure that folks who are using substances have access to uncontaminated, uncut supply is a really important piece," said McIntosh.
"We continue to support the work of safe supply as it is being advanced, and the system, the protocols around it, are continually being worked on and enhanced."