(Recovery support centres are also available across the province for walk in help with substance use concerns – https://mha.nshealth.ca/en/rsc)

Release:

Nova Scotia Health has issued a community drug alert following a report of contaminated Percocet pills in Windsor-West Hants.

On Tuesday, September 2, an individual reported using what they believed to be 30 mg prescription Percocet. The pills were described as white, stamped “TEC 3,” and packaged in a pill bottle. The drug was injected intravenously.

Shortly after use, the person experienced an unexpected reaction, including heightened mood, a sense that something was wrong, and paranoia. A test strip later confirmed the presence of fentanyl.

Harm reduction advice

Officials are reminding people that street drugs can be contaminated or misrepresented, and encourage the following precautions:

• Do not use drugs alone. Call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-NORS if you need someone to stay on the phone while you use.
• Start with a very small amount. These substances may be stronger than expected.
• Keep naloxone on hand. It can reverse opioid overdoses but not overdoses caused by other substances. It is safe to give even if opioids are not involved.
• Call 911 immediately if someone overdoses. Naloxone is not a substitute for medical care.
• Avoid mixing opioids with benzodiazepines or alcohol, which increases the risk of overdose and death.
• Use an overdose prevention site if available. Locations include ReFIX Halifax (2151 Gottingen St., 902-209-9370) and PeerSix Sydney (75 Prince St., 902-567-1766).

What to do in case of overdose

• Call 911 and report that someone is unresponsive.
• Give naloxone if available. More than one dose may be needed.
• Stay with the person and ensure they can breathe. If they stop breathing, perform CPR until emergency responders arrive.

Free naloxone kits are available at many pharmacies and harm reduction programs. More information can be found through the Take Home Naloxone program.

Legal protection

Under the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, people who call 911 for an overdose cannot be charged for drug possession.

Where to get help

• Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line – 1-888-429-8167
• Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
• Mental Health and Addictions Intake Service – 1-855-922-1122 (Mon-Fri 8:30–4:30; Tues and Thurs until 8 p.m.)
• 211 Nova Scotia – Call 2-1-1 or 1-855-466-4994; email help@ns.211.ca

About the Drug Alert System

The Nova Scotia Health Drug Alert System shares community reports of suspected drug contamination, overdoses, and other drug-related harms. Information is provided by community partners and is not always confirmed through official drug-checking services.

Community members who observe a bad reaction or come across suspicious drugs can request an alert by emailing NSDrugAlert@nshealth.ca with “Drug Alert” in the subject line.