The Tasmanian Department of Health is reminding Tasmanians about the dangers of taking unknown and illicit substances, after a drug possibly laced with a strong opioid was detected in the state.
The warning follows an overdose-related death that may have been associated with the use of an illicit drug containing a strong opioid that the person may not have known about.
While further investigations are underway, Acting Secretary of the Department of Health, Professor Dinesh Arya, said it was the first known detection of the novel synthetic opioid – from the novel U-class – in Tasmania.
“U-class opioids are not regularly detected in Australia. This is a dangerous substance, and we do not want to see more of it,’’ Professor Arya said.
“There is limited information available about these substances and how they affect individuals.
“Illicit drugs can contain unexpected substances that can have very different effects on the body than those that might be expected by the person taking them.
“The effects of these drugs can lead to serious adverse health outcomes, which can include organ damage, unconsciousness, and even death.”
Tasmanians are reminded to be aware of the signs of opioid overdose, including:
*Slow, irregular or stopped breathing
*Reduced consciousness or difficulty waking someone
*Unresponsiveness
*Pinpoint pupils
*Blue or grey lips or fingertips
If you witness someone experiencing such symptoms after using drugs, please call Triple Zero (000) immediately or seek urgent medical attention.
“You can call the Poisons Information Line on 13 11 26 (available 24/7) if you think you or someone else has taken an overdose or is experiencing unexpected substance effects.”
The Department of Health has also issued an alert to health care professionals and other stakeholders to inform them of the detection of this novel synthetic opioid and to encourage the use of Naloxone.
“Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose and save a life,” Professor Arya said.
