A white powder sample, expected to contain heroin, was found to contain protonitazene instead with a trace amount of heroin. The sample was sourced locally (ACT region).

What does this mean?

Protonitazene is a highly potent synthetic opioid, estimated to be more than 200 times stronger than morphine.

All nitazenes carry a risk of fatal overdose – even in small amounts. Nitazenes are known to cause 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/snoring sounds are all potential signs). Nitazenes can cause multiple overdoses over time.

Nitazenes are turning up more often in pills, powders, and counterfeit medications in Australia.

Reducing the Harm

Test your stuff!

Always assume that your drugs may not be what you expect.
Come and see us at CanTEST – we are a free, confidential harm reduction service.

Naloxone

Naloxone can reverse a protonitazene overdose, but several doses may be required. Never use alone and keep naloxone on hand. Search ‘Take Home Naloxone’ to get locations for free naloxone anywhere in Australia.

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 important when responding to a suspected opioid overdose.