Quebec City's public health department is warning about a synthetic opioid that is 25 times stronger than fentanyl

Quebec City health officials are warning Quebecers about a dangerous new drug.

The green pills look like OxyContin, but they contain the synthetic opioid protonitazepine, which is 25 times stronger than fentanyl.

“This drug is very dangerous,” said Dr. Anne-Frédéric Lambert-Slaight, medical adviser to the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale. “If people consume this drug, the risk of overdose is very high.”

This synthetic opioid recently appeared in Quebec City and was circulating in Montreal in early 2024.

Public health authorities say the pills can be identified by their green color and the markings “80” and “OP” and advise Quebecers to watch for signs of an overdose.

“People become increasingly drowsy, their breathing slows down to respiratory arrest, so people can pass out and go blue,” Lambert-Slaight said.

“That's why it's important to avoid single consumption, mixing substances, or even reducing the dosage,” he said.

Naloxone, an overdose-reversal drug, is available free in pharmacies, and people taking protonitazepine may need multiple doses of the antidote.

“We give naloxone (in case of an overdose). It's not dangerous to give naloxone even if it's not needed,” Lambert-Slight said.

Protonitazepine is not detected by fentanyl test strips. Users in Quebec City are encouraged to visit local community organizations such as SABSA and have their items tested for protonitazepine.