NSW - Public drug warning: Potent synthetic opioid (isotonitazene) found in yellow powder

Published on May 5, 2023

Yellow powder containing potent synthetic opioid (isotonitazene) circulating on the NSW Central Coast

Source: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aod/public-drug-alerts/Pages/yellow-powder-isotonitazene-central-coast.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.

Warning

Isotonitazene has been associated with serious harms in NSW. It is possibly related to recent deaths which remain under investigation.

Know the risks

  • Drug samples in NSW have been found to contain isotonitazene, a potent opioid of the nitazene class.
  • Nitazenes can be as strong as, or stronger than fentanyl and cause slow breathing or death.
  • Naloxone can temporarily reverse an overdose from opioids, such as nitazenes.
  • You are at increased risk of overdose if you:
    • use drugs when you are alone
    • use drugs again after a break
    • mix different drugs. Alcohol, benzos and opioids are very dangerous to combine.
  • Fentanyl test strips are unable to detect these nitazene opioids.

Effects to look out for

Opioid overdose symptoms include any of: pin-point pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing/snoring or 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).
  • You won't get into trouble for seeking help.
  • 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:

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.
  • Visit Your Room 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: shop.nuaa.org.au or call (02) 8354 7343.

Current as at: Friday 5 May 2023

Contact page owner: Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs

Media Release: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20230505_02.aspx

 
isotonitazene-central-coast.pdf
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