NSW Health is warning of the dangers of tablets being sold as MDMA (ecstasy) that have been found to contain a potential opioid (nitazene).
Three people presented to Sydney hospitals recently after taking as little as half a tablet. One patient was admitted to the ICU, and has since been discharged home.
NSW Health warns the tablets are an orange/red colour and rectangular in shape, with a Red Bull logo and wording, having been sold as MDMA (ecstasy).
Nitazenes are considered a ‘serious problem’, with the risk of overdose ‘extreme’ due to opioid naivety.
The testing of a tablet linked to one case confirmed it contained nitazene, a highly potent opioid, and no MDMA.
NSW Poisons Information Centre Medical Director, Dr Darren Roberts, Sydney, said drugs containing potent opioids such as nitazenes can cause unexpected, and severe overdose or death.
“Nitazenes can be as strong or stronger than fentanyl, and may be more likely to impair breathing than other opioids.
“It’s important people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond. Taking the appropriate action early can save a life,” Dr Roberts said.
Opioid overdose symptoms can include pin-point pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing/snoring, or skin turning blue or grey.
The Victorian Greens recently renewed calls for pill testing at music festivals in response to the recent hospitalisations in NSW.
“These dangerous pills risk the lives of many young Victorians. Taking even half of one of these ‘Red Bulls’ has been shown to put people in hospital,” said the party’s drug harm reduction spokesperson, Aiv Puglielli, Melbourne.
“Sinner dogs will not save lives. Tough talk from cops and politicians will not save lives. Pill testing will.”
Should you witness someone experiencing any of these symptoms after using drugs, call 000 or immediately seek urgent medical attention. Naloxone – a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of opioids – should be given immediately if available. Naloxone does not require a prescription, and is free for anyone at risk of opioid overdose in NSW. It is available as a nasal spray or injection from some pharmacies and other health services.
Importantly, you will not get into trouble for seeking medical care. Should you or your friend feel unwell, act without delay.
For more information on the take-home naloxone program, head to:
yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/getting-help/Pages/Naloxone.aspx.