WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?
Metonitazene is a novel synthetic opioid.
Opioids are central nervous system depressants. They typically produce a range of effects including sedation, short-term pain relief, and respiratory depression (where breathing slows or stops). Respiratory depression often appears more quickly with novel synthetic opioids (NSOs), increasing the risk of life-threatening overdose. NSOs are a leading contributor to overdose deaths world-wide.
Metonitazene is a potent NSO that is not often seen in Australia. Its potency is similar to fentanyl, estimated to be between 30 and 200 times that of morphine. This means it can produce life-threatening toxic effects in very small amounts. Metonitazene can come as a white, off-white or beige powder. It can appear in ANY white powder and HAS.
PLEASE BE AWARE.
The Department of Health is aware of two serious recent hospitalisations associated with metonitazene. Patients experienced strong and fast-acting effects, leading to loss of consciousness, respiratory depression and hypoxia (insufficient oxygen for normal functioning).
Know the signs of opioid overdose – and carry naloxone
People who are expecting to use cocaine may not know how to recognise and respond to opioid overdose.
Signs of opioid overdose to look out for include: breathing slowly, reduced consciousness (meaning someone is hard to rouse), or tiny pupils in some cases. More information about opioid overdose symptoms can be found here.
Naloxone is an easy-to-use medication that can reverse opioid overdose – it’s safe to use even if you’re not sure whether someone has taken opioids. Naloxone is available for free from participating pharmacies (a script is not required). The pharmacist will show you how to use naloxone. Alternatively, contact Harm Reduction Victoria for training from peers.
Using metonitazene or other opioids with depressants such as alcohol, GHB or benzodiazepines (‘Xanax’, ‘Valium’, ‘Mylan’, etc) increases the risk of overdose.
Reduce the risk of harm
If you experience adverse drug effects, or are present when someone has an unexpected reaction, seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000).
All alcohol and other drug use comes with risks, so:
ü Be aware that other false or contaminated drug products may circulate in Victoria, even if no specific warning has been issued about them. Metonitazene may circulate in other forms.
ü Make sure you’re in a safe environment with people you trust.
ü Remember, even ‘pure’ drugs can produce serious side effects and death, and can interact dangerously with medications/pharmaceutical drugs.
Contact Harm Reduction Victoria’s DanceWize team for anonymous support or visit our HRVic NSP at 299-305 Victoria St Brunswick to get a quick training session and pick up your FREE Naloxone Kit from peers. Talk to DanceWize volunteers by email at info@dancewize.org.au.
