10/17/2026
Verified , October 15, 2026
We have received a community report from the Medical Examiner Service regarding Etodezitramide, a novel synthetic opioid classified as an orphine analogue, in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), Nova Scotia.
This novel synthetic opioid was detected in three deaths between April and June, 2026. This is the first confirmation of detection of this orphine analogue in Nova Scotia. This opioid has been detected in the drug supply in Ontario. Etodezitramide is the second orphine analogue to have contributed to toxicity deaths in Nova Scotia, with N-proprionitrile chlorphine noted previously.
How to Stay Safe: Let someone know, start low, and go slow
✔ Expect the unexpected – Always assume street drugs may not be what you think and contain drugs different from, or stronger than, you expect. Pills that look like real medicine could be fake.
✔ Do NOT use drugs alone – Use with someone you trust, at a Supervised Consumption Site, or call the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-NORS. They will stay on the phone with you while you use, so they can get help if needed.
✔ Go low and start slow – Use a small amount of a drug to see how it affects you first before using more. Take frequent breaks between uses.
✔ Call 911 immediately for any overdose – Even if naloxone is used, emergency help is still needed.
✔ Have naloxone ready: Naloxone will reverse the effects of opioids and help restore breathing. Always give naloxone if you think someone is overdosing. It won't cause harm if opioids are not involved, and it may save a life if they are. Even if the person does not wake up, continue rescue breathing if trained, call 911, and stay with them until help arrives.
✔ Provide rescue breaths. Naloxone will NOT work on other substances, such as tranquilizers like medetomidine and xylazine or benzodiazepines. Naloxone may not restore consciousness if other sedatives are involved. If breathing is less than every 6 seconds or pulse is faint, perform CPR, including rescue breaths, until help arrives.
✔ Avoid mixing drugs – Combining opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol increases the risk of overdose and death.
✔ Consider your surroundings before using – Street drugs may contain sedatives that could cause unconsciousness for an extended time. Use somewhere that you will not be exposed to safety risks or extreme heat or cold conditions whenever possible.
✔ Go to a supervised consumption site – If available in your area, these sites provide a safe space to use drugs with medical staff who can help in case of an emergency.
• ReFIX Halifax: 2151 Gottingen St. (902-209-9370)
• PeerSix Sydney: 75 Prince St. (902-567-1766)
🆘 If someone overdoses:
• Call 911 immediately – Tell them someone is unresponsive.
• Give naloxone if you have it. More than one dose may be needed if high potency opioids are involved. If there are no opioids, naloxone will be ineffective but will not cause harm – give it anyway.
• Stay with them.
• If breathing is less than every 6 seconds or pulse faint, perform CPR including rescue breaths until help arrives.
• If breathing is restored, place them in the recovery position on their side and wait for EHS.
Get Free Naloxone Kits
• You can get naloxone for free at most pharmacies and harm reduction programs. To learn more, visit 🔗 Take Home Naloxone https://mha.nshealth.ca/en/takehomenaloxoneprogram
Looking for help?
• Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line – 1-888-429-8167
• Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868; Text CONNECT to 686868
• Mental Health and Addictions Intake Service - (Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30; Tues and Thurs until 8 pm) - 1-855-922-1122
• 211 Nova Scotia - information and referrals to community and social services: Call 2-1-1 or 1-855-466-4994; Email: [email protected]
