The Quebec City regional public health authority warned the compound, protonitazepyne, presents a high risk of overdose, which may require several doses of the life-saving medication naloxone.
No overdoses in the Quebec City region have been linked to the protonitazepyne tablets, but officials say it presents a very real threat.
“However, it’s clear that given the potency and the fact that it’s in a tablet of something else, the risk of overdose is very high for people who would consume this tablet,” Dr. Anne-Frédérique Lambert-Slythe with the Quebec City public health authority said in an interview.
Officials further warn that protonitazepyne does not show up on test strips designed to detect fentanyl.
The Quebec City public health authority is reiterating advice for people who use drugs to avoid consuming substances alone and to keep naloxone nearby. The medication is available for free at pharmacies.