An pressing well being alert has been issued after quite a few counterfeit medicines being offered illegally to Aussies have been discovered to include a lethal substance.
Queensland Health recognized a number of tablets that examined optimistic to protonitazene, an artificial opioid that may be stronger than fentanyl and deadly in even small quantities.
The tablets have been branded to seem as real medicines reminiscent of Xanax.
However, Xanax just isn’t obtainable commercially in Australia.
Protonitazene can result in respiratory failure, lack of consciousness, coma and dying, even when taken in small portions.
Health authorities have voiced concern many of those counterfeit tablets seem real and unsuspecting customers could not realise they’re in danger.
“You could unknowingly be taking a potentially fatal substance,” QLD Health Executive Director of Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch Associate Professor John Allan mentioned.
The lethal drug has been detected in different states and territories in numerous kinds together with tablets, powders and liquids.
Queenslanders are being warned to not devour counterfeit or altered medicines below any circumstances,
“Anyone who suspects they have fake tablets are advised to dispose of them safely,” Mr Allan mentioned.
Symptoms of opioid overdose
- lack of consciousness
- respiratory failure
- shallow respiratory
- sluggish or erratic pulse, confusion
- small pupils
- unresponsiveness
- bluish or greyish pores and skin from poor circulation
Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose and is obtainable totally free from some registered pharmacies and alcohol and different drug providers.
What to do if you happen to suppose you’re overdosing
- Anyone who experiences any poisonous results after drug use ought to search medical consideration instantly by calling triple-0 (000) for emergency help
- Go to your nearest emergency division
- Call the Queensland Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26).
Anyone with details about counterfeit medicines ought to contact Policelink on 131 444.
Originally revealed as Urgent well being warning issued after lethal opioid present in ‘counterfeit’ medicines
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
