Yellow powder containing potent synthetic opioid (isotonitazene) circulating on the NSW Central Coast

Warning

Isotonitazene has been associated with serious harms in NSW. It is possibly related to recent deaths which remain under investigation.

Last updated: 05 May 2023

Drug samples in NSW have been found to contain isotonitazene, a potent opioid of the nitazene class.
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.
You are at increased risk of overdose if you:

Opioid overdose symptoms include any of: pin-point pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing/snoring or skin turning blue or grey.

If you 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 help.
If someone is not breathing, start CPR if you know how.
Use naloxone if you have it. Call '000' even if naloxone has been given.

For free and confidential advice:

Call Alcohol and Drug Information Service(ADIS) on 1800 250 015 at any time 24/7. Start a Web Chat with an ADIS counsellor Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm.
Call NUAA on 1800 644 413 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) to speak to a peer or visit NUAA for a range of resources.
Call the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for information on adverse effects from drugs.
Visit Your Room for fact sheets and other resources.

Naloxone is an easy to use, life-saving 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 Room 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) 8354 7343.

Current as at: Friday 5 May 2023