Drug alert for Waterloo Region after three overdose deaths

Three suspected drug-related overdose deaths in a week in Waterloo Region has sparked a community drug alert.

The Overdose Monitoring Alert and Response System shows three deaths have occurred since Oct. 16, with medetomidine/dexmedetomidine found in many fentanyl samples tested through drug checking.

Drug checking noted yellow as a colour of concern and to be cautious using yellow drugs.

Naloxone does not reverse the effects of non-opioid substances such as medetomidine/dexmedetomidine, though naloxone should still be given in suspected overdoses.

There are reports of confusion, disorientation, and memory gaps when using the drug, and monitoring of the user is warranted.

While a connection between the drugs found through drug checking and the suspected drug overdose/poisonings is not