Physicians: Treating Fentanyl Related Overdoses

BC’s provincial health officer has declared a public health emergency because of the increasing number of patients who have overdosed on drugs laced with fentanyl.

Fentanyl is a synthetic narcotic 50-100 times more toxic than other opioids, and is a key driver in the dramatic increase in illicit drug overdose deaths in 2016.

Although the signs and symptoms of a fentanyl overdose may be similar to other opioids, treatment for a fentanyl related overdose may differ.

The following documents provide information for physicians and other health care providers:

• BC Centre for Disease Control
  Information about Fentanyl for Healthcare Providers
• BC Centre for Disease Control
  Frequently Asked Questions about Fentanyl for Healthcare Providers
• BC Centre for Disease Control
  Understanding Take Home Naloxone
• BC Coroners Service
  Illicit Drug Overdose Deaths in BC (January 1 2007 – June 30, 2016)