NSW Public drug warning - Fake Kalma alprazolam tablets found to contain strong opioids
Published on August 29, 2022
Emergency: If you are experiencing an emergency, please call an ambulance on 000, or if you need to speak to someone urgently please call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
Warning
Strong opioids have recently been found in some fake Kalma tablets in NSW. They are white, rectangular tablets marked AL on one side, G2 on reverse.
Know the risks
- Testing of fake (counterfeit) 'Kalma' tablets found they contain a strong opioid, namely etodesnitazene. 'Nitazenes' can be as strong or stronger than fentanyl. Another synthetic opioid (O-desmethyltramadol) was also found in the same tablets.
- Tablets containing strong opioids can cause unexpected and severe overdose or death, even from a single tablet.
- Risk of harm is also higher if you:
- Mix different sedative drugs. Alcohol, benzodiazepines (benzos) and opioids are very dangerous to combine.
- Take a counterfeit product
- Take a higher dose
- Use drugs when you are alone
- Fentanyl test strips are unable to detect these opioids.
- Fake Kalma 2mg tablets are more likely to be rectangular in shape. Prescribed Kalma tablets purchased at pharmacies are oval.
- Fake benzos (often called street Xanax) may contain a variety of drugs and look very similar to real pharmaceuticals.
Effects to look out for
- Difficulty speaking or walking, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing/snoring and skin turning blue or grey.
- Be on the lookout for unexpected effects.
Getting help
If you see the warning signs of overdose:
- Seek help immediately from your nearest emergency department or call Triple Zero (000).
- Start CPR if someone is not breathing.
- Use naloxone if you have it, repeat doses may be required. Call '000" even if naloxone has been given.
Take home naloxone program
- Naloxone is an easy to use, life-saving medicine that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. People at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose or who may witness an overdose can get naloxone for free without a prescription from some NSW community pharmacies, NSW Health needle and syringe programs, opioid treatment services and NUAA.
- Naloxone is available in easy to use products: Nyxoid® nasal spray and Prenoxad® pre-filled syringe.
- For participating sites and more information on take-home naloxone: https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/getting-help/Pages/Naloxone.aspx
Support and advice
For free and confidential advice:
- Call Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015 at any time 24/7. Start a Web Chat with an ADIS counsellor Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm.
- Call NUAA on 1800 644 413 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) to speak to a peer or visit NUAA/DanceWize NSWfor a factsheet on fake benzos.
- Call the Poisons Information Centreon 13 11 26 for advice on adverse effects from drugs.
- Visit Your Room for information on benzos.
Current as at: Friday 26 August 2022
Contact page owner: Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs