A round yellow counterfeit oxycodone pill brought to CanTEST for testing was found to be N-pyrrolidino isotonitazene, a type of nitazene.

This is a potent new opioid that is 1000x stronger than morphine and 100x stronger than fentanyl. This sample was acquired from the dark web (vendor name not disclosed), but this is the third nitazene-related community notice CanTEST has issued, and the second counterfeit oxycodone notice. Nitazenes have been detected in several parts of Australia, and in various forms. Any type of drug sourced from the unregulated market, including convincing-looking counterfeit pharmaceuticals may contain nitazenes or other dangerous substances.

Effects

All nitazenes carry a risk of fatal overdose. There is no safe way to use them. N-Pyrrolidino isotonitazene is known to cause an opioid-like overdose (lowered/loss of consciousness, breathing slowly or not at all, tiny/pinpoint pupils, discoloured lips/nails, cold or clammy skin, choking/coughing/gurgling or snoring sounds are all potential signs). Nitazenes can cause multiple overdoses over time and people who experience a nitazene overdose require ongoing monitoring.

Reducing the harm

Naloxone can reverse a N-pyrrolidino isotonitazene overdose, but several doses may be required. Never use alone and keep naloxone on hand. Search ‘Take Home Naloxone’ to get free naloxone anywhere in Australia (link in bio).  You can get Nyxoid nasal spray naloxone for free from CanTEST.

Responding to an overdose. Always call 000 immediately (even if you have and use naloxone). Learn first aid and CPR. Because opioid overdoses first affect a person’s breathing, rescue breaths are an important consideration when responding to a suspected opioid overdose.

Test your stuff. Come and see us at CanTEST. CanTEST Health and Drug Checking Service is a free, confidential harm reduction service.

CanTEST is located on the Ground Floor of the City Community Health Centre at 1 Moore Street in Canberra City.

CanTEST is open Thursdays from 3-6pm and Fridays from 6-9pm.