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Revelstoke’s regional health authority has issued an alert for a life-threatening drug currently circulating in and around the city. The drug alert, posted Tuesday, Nov. 4 by Interior Health (IH) for Revelstoke and the surrounding area, warns the public that para-methoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) is a dangerous substance, especially if mixed with Ecstasy, MDMA or MDA. Adverse reactions to PMMA, which are also known as 4-MMA and being sold as green Mickey Mouse-shaped drugs, include naseau, vomiting, overheating and death. Though more recent data isn’t readily available, a study by the Canadian Medical Association Journal found seven people in B.C. and 20 in Alberta died in association with PMMA between June 2011 and April 2012. The average victim age was 24. After consuming a drug, “if you or someone else experiences significant agitation, fever, confusion, heavy sweating, or tremors, seek emergency medical help immediately,” IH advised in its alert. Substance users in the Revelstoke area can call or text Erica Maltby, a registered nurse with mental health and substance use support, at 250-814-8599 to access drug-checking services. Revelstoke Public Health, which operates at the Queen Victoria Hospital, offers these services. “Please ensure your clients are aware of safer drug use tips that can help prevent overdose as well as where they can access naloxone, drug checking and other overdose prevention services in your community,” IH adds. Other tips it recommends for people consuming drugs include doing so in the company of others; understanding the risks of mixing different drugs, including with alcohol; carrying and getting familiar with naloxone; and taking just half or less of a tablet, then waiting before taking the rest. Along with drug-checking support, IH’s mental health services team can be reached at 310-6478. The drug alert for Revelstoke remains in effect until next Tuesday, Nov. 11.
