Protonitazene found in ‘oxycodone’ pill. A red/pink bear press pill with a ‘Y’ on front and back that was expected to contain oxycodone, was instead found to contain the novel synthetic opioid, protonitazene. No oxycodone was detected

Protonitazene is significantly stronger than fentanyl. The sample was acquired from the dark web (vendor name not disclosed). This is the fourth nitazene-related community notice CanTEST has issued since services commences in 2022. Nitazenes have been detected in several parts of Australia, and in various forms. Any type of drug sources 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. Nitazenes are 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.

Test your stuff

Always assume that your drugs may not be what you expect.

With this particular sample, the appearance alone (which could be confused for an MDMA press) may cause a user to assume that the contents are different to what they really are.

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

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 free naloxone anywhere in Australia. You can get Nyxoid nasal spray naloxone for free from CanTest.

Responding to an overdose Always call 000 immediately (even if you have used 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.