A death and several overdoses linked to the suspected consumption of hydromorphone, better known by the brand Dilaudid, recently occurred. The Montreal Regional Public Health Directorate (DRSP) calls for vigilance.
White, triangular-shaped tablets with rounded corners that closely resemble Dilaudid 8 mg tablets were analyzed and found to contain synthetic opioids up to 25 times more potent than fentanyl.
The DRSP of the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal is concerned by the significant circulation of these counterfeit tablets in its territory.
In a press release, it mentions that it is often not possible to visually distinguish a pharmaceutical tablet from a counterfeit tablet. She recalls that all tablets from the illicit market may contain a potentially dangerous substance.
Among the opioids detected in the fake Dilaudid tablets are protonitazepyne, N-desethyl isotonitazene and nitazenes. These are associated with high risks of overdose for a person who consumes them.
The DRSP reminds that regardless of the substance consumed, naloxone can save the life of a person in overdose, a condition recognizable when the individual has difficulty breathing, snoring or does not breathe at all and reacts little or not at all. to noise and pain.
Naloxone is available free without a prescription in all pharmacies and certain community organizations in Quebec.
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