Nitazene found in a yellow tinted powder in Melbourne

N-Desethyl Etonitazene is a potent synthetic opioid that can produce life-threatening toxic effects in very small amounts.

One person has required emergency care after they experienced an opioid overdose after using an unknown yellow tinted powder. Specialised blood tests showed evidence of N-Desethyl Etonitazene, a novel synthetic opioid.

Opioids are central nervous system depressants, typically producing a range of effects including pain relief, sedation, and respiratory depression (dangerously slow breathing). Respiratory depression often appears more quickly with novel synthetic opioids (NSOs), increasing the risk of life-threatening overdose.

Nitazenes are extremely potent NSOs, which means they can produce strong effects in very small amounts. They are often 100-200 times as potent as heroin (sometimes more).

Know the signs of opioid overdose and carry naloxone

Signs of opioid overdose include breathing slowly and reduced consciousness (meaning someone is hard to wake up). In some cases, they may also have tiny pupils. More information about opioid overdose symptoms can be found on the Penington Institute website.

Naloxone is an easy-to-use medication that can reverse opioid overdose and save a life – it is safe to use even if you are not sure whether someone has taken opioids. It is also effective with potent synthetic opioids such as nitazenes. Naloxone can be accessed free of charge at participating pharmacies, health services and at naloxone dispensing machines. You can find where to access free naloxone on the Department of Health's naloxone webpage.

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:

• Use the Victorian Pill Testing Service to get free, confidential testing and health advice.
• Get free naloxone, carry it with you – no matter what drugs you use. Administer naloxone to anyone you think may be overdosing.
• Start low and go slow and make sure you’re in a safe environment with people you trust.
• Be aware that potent novel synthetic opioids in small amounts can cause death even if you use opioids regularly.
• Be extra cautious taking unknown substances, eg. ground finds.
• Understand how different drugs interact with each other and with pharmaceutical drugs/medications. Get the facts from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website.

Contact Harm Reduction Victoria’s DanceWize and peer education team for anonymous support and education from peers. Talk to them by email at info@dancewize.org.au or admin@hrvic.org.au.

If you or someone you know needs help with alcohol or drug use, call DirectLine on 1800 888 236 or visit directline.org.au for information and support to access treatment.

This information is also available to download