The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has reported a concerning increase in drug poisonings due to the introduction of new substances into the unregulated drug supply in the province.
According to the BCCDC, opioids such as fentanyl are now being combined with medetomidine, a sedative commonly used by veterinarians. Medetomidine can lead to dangerous effects like low heart rate, changes in blood pressure, and prolonged sedation. Users may experience extreme drowsiness or even unconsciousness, raising the risk of poisoning.
One alarming fact is that medetomidine does not respond to naloxone, which further complicates the situation for those who overdose.
Recent data reveals a surge in paramedic-attended overdoses in British Columbia, coinciding with a rise in the detection of medetomidine in drug checking samples and law enforcement seizures.
In November 2025, medetomidine was found in 38% of opioid samples tested, indicating its increasing prevalence in the drug market.
While the overall number of overdose deaths has not seen a significant increase, the BCCDC warns that non-fatal poisonings can still have serious consequences, including brain injury from oxygen deprivation and other complications.
To stay safe, the BCCDC recommends individuals using unregulated drugs to test their substances before consumption, have a trusted companion present, stay informed about drug alerts, carry naloxone, and be trained on how to administer it in case of an emergency.