ELMIRA — A customer who went to a Shoppers Drug Mart in Elmira for a naloxone kit got fentanyl instead.

The mixup at the store on Arthur Street on Feb. 5 occurred because of "human error," said Catherine Thomas, spokesperson for Loblaw Companies Ltd., the company that owns Shoppers.

Before the mistake could have disastrous results, the pharmacist realized the error and went to the customer and provided the individual with the naloxone.

"Our local pharmacist-owner took immediate action to ensure consumer safety, visiting the customers to secure the product and provide the correct medication, and to offer a detailed apology," Thomas said.

Loblaws said in a news release that the mistake was a "considerable" error and "one that absolutely should not have happened."

Thomas said the company is taking action to ensure the situation doesn't happen again. It would not say what those actions are.

"It is important that customers understand that this isolated event should not reduce their confidence in naloxone kits as an effective response for accidental opioid overdose," Thomas said.