A nitazene (either protonitazene or isotonitazene) has been detected in Queensland in a small round yellow tablet with a ‘high’ press (small in circumference and tall in height) by the CheQpoint drug checking service in Bowen Hills, Brisbane.
The tablet was purchased as oxycodone from the darknet from an international retailer.
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 advises that if you suspect you have this tablet, 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 program. Use this link to find your closest site participating in the program Take Home Naloxone (THN) Program Participating Site Locator (arcgis.com)

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)
  This information can be shared through the Queensland service system and to at-risk groups.