Opioid users are being warned of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl be distributed in the area.

The Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington Public Health department issued the alert on Saturday morning.

“It is suspected that illicit fentanyl counterfeit drugs found in Kingston may have been involved in recent life-threatening overdoses,” said the release. “Toxicology laboratory testing will be conducted to confirm the contents of these drugs.”

Fentanyl is being pressed and manufactured to look identical to most prescription medications such as oxycontin and percocet. Getting the drugs from a dealer, friend or online is very risky and life-threatening due to possible fentanyl contamination.

KFL&A Public Health is urging resident to be vigilant and take precautions when using prescription drugs in an effort to mitigate the risks of overdose.

Should an overdose occur call 911 and use a naloxone kit if available. The naloxone kit only temporarily stops the symptoms of an overdose, so it is still important to call for paramedics.

More information about naloxone and local treatment resources can be found at www.kflaph.ca/naloxone

— The Whig-Standard