Protonitazene has been detected in Queensland in a green, bear shaped pressed pill marked ‘Y’ by the CheQpoint drug checking service in Bowen Hills, Brisbane. The pill was sold as oxycodone.
Nitazenes are a group of very strong opioids that work like heroin or fentanyl and can produce life-threatening toxicity in small amounts.

Toxic Effects

The toxic effects of nitazenes are similar to other opioids and include:

• Sedation
• Coma
• Slow or obstructed breathing
• Respiratory failure that can lead to death.

These effects respond to naloxone, and it should be used if available (more information on accessing naloxone below).

Information and Advice

Queensland Health advised that is you suspect you have this table, do not consume and dispose of it safely.

Seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know experiences any toxic effects following drug use.

Naloxone will reverse an opioid overdose; it is available for free from registered pharmacies and services through the national Take Home Naloxone (THN) Program Participating Site Locator.

Nitazene test strips can be useful but are not entirely effective in screening for all nitazenes, they should be used with caution.

For help

• Call Triple Zero (000) for emergency assistance
• Go to your nearest emergency department
• Call the Queensland Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26)
• Adis 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Support (1800 177 833 or www.adis.health.qld.gov.au)
• Peer Qnect confidential telephone peer support (1800 175 889)