A community drug alert has been issued in Waterloo Region after three suspected drug-related deaths from Nov. 10 to 12.

Sanguen Health Centre’s drug checking program found fentanyl samples that were stronger than expected, containing fentanyl analogues including para-fluorofentanyl, while continuing to contain medetomidine/dexmedetomidine.

Drug checking also noted yellow and orange drugs as colours of concern.

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

There are reports of people nodding off heavily after taking the drug and people are reminded to stay with anyone nodding off.

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