Urgent warning after deadly opioid Protonitazene found in cocaine in Melbourne
An urgent warming has been issued by Victoria’s health department after a deadly opioid was found being sold as cocaine in Melbourne.
The novel synthetic opioid, called Protonitazene, is 100 times more potent than heroin and can be life-threatening in even very small amounts.
The opioid has been found as a white powder being sold in Melbourne as cocaine.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Cocaine and protonitazene are very different substances. Cocaine produces stimulant effects, whereas protonitazene produces sedative effects and may lead to opioid overdose,” the health department said in a statement.
“Using protonitazene with depressants such as alcohol, GHB or depressant drugs (such as Xanax or Valium) increases the risk of overdose.
“There have been recent serious harms in Melbourne associated with a white powder sold as cocaine that contained protonitazene.
“The product appears to produce strong adverse effects such as loss of consciousness, respiratory depression, and life-threatening hypoxia (insufficient oxygen for normal functioning).”
Signs of opioid overdose are slowed breathing, reduced consciousness and tiny pupils in some cases.
Naloxone is a medication that can reverse opioid overdose and can be accessed free of charge at pharmacies. It is also safe to use even if the user isn’t sure if they have ingested opioids.
Anyone who thinks they have taken toxic drugs or are with someone who is having a reaction should call triple-0 immediately.
