The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health is warning the public that highly dangerous drugs may be circulating North Battleford area.

The warning follows an incident where medication vials were discarded as medical waste and may have been taken from where they were disposed of.

The vials may contain unknown quantities of Fentanyl, Morphine, Midazolam, Rocuronium, Succinylcholine, Propofol, and Ketamine. These substances may resemble a clear or milky white fluid.

Use of several of the drugs will result in paralysis of respiratory muscles; inability to breathe, and death if not immediately addressed. Other side effects may include decreased heart rate, low blood pressure, loss of airway reflexes and loss of consciousness.

Naloxone can reverse the effects of Fentanyl and Morphine; however, it will not reverse the effects of benzodiazepines or paralytics such as Rocuronium or Succinylcholine.

The alert will remain in effect until October 14.