Public health officials in the Quebec City region say they have detected the dangerous opioid protonitazepyne in pale green tablets that appear to imitate prescription oxycodone as shown in this handout image. The Canadian Press/HO-CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale
Public health officials in the Quebec City region reported on Saturday the emergence of a synthetic opioid, protonitazepyne, which is 25 times more potent than fentanyl. They disclosed that this dangerous compound has been found in pale green tablets resembling other prescription opioids.
The Quebec City Regional Public Health Authority cautioned that protonitazepyne poses a significant risk of overdose, often necessitating multiple doses of the life-saving medication naloxone.
Health Canada initially detected the substance in 2023, confirming its presence in 25 drug samples by year-end. Since the onset of 2024, public health officials in the Quebec City area have noted an increasing incidence of protonitazepyne, particularly in the Montreal region.
Although no overdoses related to the protonitazepyne tablets have been reported in the Quebec City area, officials underscore the substantial danger they pose.
Dr. Anne-Frédérique Lambert-Slythe from the Quebec City public health authority emphasized the heightened overdose risk due to the potency of protonitazepyne and its disguise in tablet form.
Authorities also cautioned that protonitazepyne may not be detectable using test strips designed for identifying fentanyl.
The Quebec City public health authority reiterated advice for individuals who use drugs, urging them to avoid consuming substances alone and to have naloxone readily available. Naloxone, which can reverse opioid overdose effects, is accessible for free at pharmacies.
