Potent Synthetic Opioid Tied to Deaths: Urgent Warning for New Zealanders
Authorities in New Zealand are issuing an urgent warning regarding a dangerous and highly potent synthetic opioid known as butonitazene. This opioid has been linked to numerous deaths overseas and is now causing concern as it emerges in the local drug market. Health teams have identified this substance as part of a new family of man-made opioids called nitazenes, which are even more potent than the infamous fentanyl.
The Drug Foundation has raised the alarm by urging the public to have their drugs checked at clinics, as these substances carry a high risk of overdose and fatality due to their potency. The Foundation has witnessed the sale of these drugs in various forms, including pills, powders, gel caps, and liquids, making it crucial for individuals, regardless of their experience, to seek drug checking services available at clinics across the country.
The discovery of nitazenes in New Zealand has been concerning, especially since many people may not be aware of what they are consuming. Sarah Helm, Executive Director of the Drug Foundation, explained that the diverse forms of these drugs and the misrepresentation of their composition put individuals with limited experience at significant risk. Even those accustomed to taking opioids may find themselves in danger due to the difficulty of accurately measuring doses with these highly potent substances.
To address the escalating presence of nitazenes in the community, the availability of naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, needs to be improved. Naloxone has proven to save lives and can effectively counteract a nitazene overdose. Urging people to obtain naloxone, Helm emphasized the importance of making it more accessible for public use.
Recently, a High Alert notification reported that an orange powder in Wellington, sold under the name butonitazene, was found to contain either N-pyrrolidino-protonitazene or N-pyrrolidino-isotonitazene, both known to be significantly more potent than fentanyl. N-pyrrolidino-protonitazene in particular has been linked to numerous deaths globally and is estimated to be 25 times stronger than fentanyl.
In September, High Alert previously cautioned the public about yellow tablets sold online as oxycodone, which were discovered to be metonitazene.
If anyone displays symptoms of overdose after consuming a substance, it is crucial to call emergency services immediately by dialing 111, and administer naloxone if available (more than one dose may be necessary).
Authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and seek help if they suspect they may have unknowingly consumed these dangerous substances. By enhancing drug checking services, increasing access to naloxone, and raising awareness about the risks involved, efforts are being made to protect New Zealanders from the harmful effects of these potent synthetic opioids.
