NSW - Public drug warning: 'Heroin' found to contain a potent opioid ('nitazene')

Warning

Increased hospitalisations and ICU admissions following use of 'heroin' have occurred across the Central Coast region. Testing of the 'heroin' found it contained a potent opioid ('nitazene').

Use of these 'heroin' can be life-threatening.

Know the risks

• Testing of 'heroin' has found it to contain a potent synthetic opioid of the nitazene class.
• Nitazenes can be as strong, or stronger than fentanyl and cause slow breathing.
• The combination of heroin with other strong opioids is more likely to cause overdose.
• Naloxone can temporarily reverse an overdose from heroin and nitazenes.
• Use naloxone if you have it, but do not delay calling Triple Zero.
• You are at increased risk of overdose if you:
  • use drugs when you are alone. Or are using again after a break.
  • mix different drugs. Alcohol, benzos and opioids are very dangerous to combine.
• Fentanyl test strips are unable to detect nitazene opioids.

Effects to look out for

Overdose symptoms include slow breathing/snoring, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, and skin turning blue or grey.

Getting help

If you see the warning signs of overdose:

• Seek help immediately from your nearest emergency department or call Triple Zero (000). Stay with your mate and on the phone with the operator until the ambulance arrives.
• If someone is not breathing, start CPR if you know how.
• Use naloxone if you have it. Call ‘000’ even if naloxone has been given.

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 for a range of resources on opioids and naloxone.
• Call the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for information on adverse effects from drugs.
• Visit Your Room for fact sheets and other resources.

Take Home Naloxone program

• Naloxone is an easy to use, life-saving medicine that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdoses. 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.
• Visit Your Room - Naloxone for participating sites and more information on take-home naloxone.
• NUAA can mail you naloxone for free in a discreet package. Order via their online shop or call (02) 8354 7343.

Source: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aod/public-drug-alerts/Pages/heroin-found-to-contain-nitazenes.aspx

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.