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Warn​​i​​ng

'Red Bull' tablets sold as MDMA (ecstasy) caused multiple hospitalisations in Sydney last weekend. Analysis of one tablet identified a potent opioid (a nitazene) and no MDMA.​

Last updated: 20 June 2024
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Tablet appearance is not a reliable indicator of drug contents.

K​n​​ow the risks
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  • Nitazenes can be as strong as, or stronger than fentanyl and cause slow breathing or death.
  • Naloxone can temporarily reverse an overdose from opioids, such as nitazenes. Higher doses of naloxone may be required to reverse nitazene overdose.
  • You are at increased risk of harm if you:
    • Use drugs when you are alone.
    • Take opioids for the first time, or again after a break.
    • Mix different drugs. Alcohol, benzodiazepines and opioids are very dangerous to combine.
  • Fentanyl test strips are unable to detect these nitazene opioids.
  • Nitazene use has been linked to death and other serious harms.
  • Exercise extreme caution with 'Red Bull' tablets. 'Red Bull' tablets have also been found to contain multiple other substances in the past 12 months.

Effects to look out for

  • Opioid overdose symptoms include any of:
    • pin-point pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness
    • slow breathing/snoring and skin turning blue or grey.
  • If you or others experience these symptoms after taking drugs, get help immediately.

Getting help

If you or your friends see the warning signs of overdose:

  • Seek help immediately from your nearest emergency department or call Triple Zero (000). You won’t get into trouble for seeking medical care.
  • Start CPR if someone is not breathing.
  • Use naloxone if you have it. Call ‘000’ even if naloxone has been given.

Support and advice

For free and confidential advice:

Take Home Naloxone program

  • If you use any drugs you should carry naloxone. Drugs sold as cocaine and MDMA have been found to contain opioids.     

  • Naloxone is an easy to use, life-sav​ing medicine that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. People at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose or who may witness an overdose can get naloxone for free without a prescription from some NSW community pharmacies, NSW Health needle and syringe programs, opioid treatment services and NUAA.
  • Visit Your R​oom for participating sites and more information on take-home naloxone.
  • NUAA can mail you naloxone for free in a discreet package. Order via their online shop or call (02) 9171 6650.