NSW Health is warning the community about the dangers of nitazenes following the detection of nitazenes in fake oxycodone tablets in NSW.

The fake oxycodone tablets were found to contain N-desethyl isotonitazene, and have been described as green round tablets, marked ‘OC’ on the front and ‘80’ on the reverse, and lack a film coating. 

The counterfeit tablets could be extremely potent and dangerous.

Pharmacy-dispensed oxycodone, sold as the brand name Oxycontin, is now marked ‘ON’ instead of ‘OC’ and has a film coating.

Nitazenes are extremely potent synthetic opioids which are more likely to suppress or stop breathing compared with other opioids.

NSW Poisons Information Centre Medical Director Dr Darren Roberts said these drugs are extremely dangerous, as they can be hundreds of times more potent than oxycodone and can cause severe overdose or death.

“Nitazenes are extremely potent and can vary widely in their strength," Dr Roberts said.

“As they are illicit and unregulated, there is no way of knowing what type of nitazene is present or what dosage is being taken. The strength and contents can vary widely, even within the same batch.

“It is extremely important that people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose, signs to look for include pin-point pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slowed breathing/snoring, and skin turning blue/grey.

“It's strongly recommended that anyone who uses illicit drugs carry naloxone," Dr Roberts said.

Nitazenes have been detected in fake tablets, such as oxycodone and benzodiazepines, and in drugs thought to be heroin or MDMA.

Take home naloxone is a life-saving treatment which can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, including with nitazenes.

Nitazenes can last longer in the body than oxycodone, heroin and naloxone. Higher and repeated doses of naloxone may be required as well as hospital treatment.

According to the Australian Government's Department of Health & Aged Care, if someone has overdosed on opioids they will be unconscious or awake, but unable to talk. It's unlikely they will be able to administer naloxone themselves

Anyone who uses naloxone should call Triple Zero (000) for an Ambulance immediately after use for follow-up care.

IMAGE: Drug & Alcohol Research & Training Australia

You won't get into trouble for seeking medical care. If you feel unwell, or if your friend feels unwell, do something about it.

Take home naloxone is available as an easy-to-use nasal spray or injection from some pharmacies and other health services.

For more information on the take-home naloxone program visit: Your Room - Naloxone​.

Support available

Free and confidential advice is available from:

• 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.