Public health officials in New Brunswick are warning about the dangers of an opioid called furanyl-fentanyl which has been found in the province.
The illegal substance is a designer street drug which is created synthetically in a lab.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell says this drug is derived from fentanyl.
“It’s technically less toxic than fentanyl but still more toxic than morphine. What we’re seeing is if it’s mixed with fentanyl then it is very toxic,” she notes.
Dr. Russell says only a quarter milligram dose can result in fatalities.
A recent toxicology report showed furanyl-fentanyl was found in an individual who died in northern New Brunswick.
Provincial statistics show New Brunswick had six apparent opioid-related deaths in the first quarter of 2018 and five were accidental or with pending intent.
In 2017, 36 opioid-related deaths were recorded in the province.
