Nitazene-type opioids have been found in yellow tablets sold as benzodiazepines and have been linked to overdoses and hospitalisations across the country.
The HSE has urged people to be aware that there is “extra risk” at this time and strongly recommends that people do not take the tablets, do not buy new drugs, new batches of drugs or buy from new sources.
Nitazenes are strong synthetic opioids that can cause serious overdoses, hospitalisation and drug-related death.
Current cases have been linked to yellow tablets, though nitazenes have been previously identified in both pills and powder forms.
Analysis by the Emerging Trends Laboratory at the HSE National Drug Treatment Centre has confirmed nitazenes in yellow, round counterfeit benzodiazepine tablets associated with these overdoses.
“We urge extreme caution following a number of overdoses related to counterfeit benzodiazepine tablets,” said Professor Eamon Keenan, the HSE National Clinical Lead of Addiction Services.
“Preliminary analysis suggests nitazenes, a potent and dangerous synthetic opioid, may be responsible. These pose a substantial risk of overdose, hospitalization, and death.”
The HSE has also urged drug users to talk to their local service or doctor about accessing naloxone for free, which temporarily reverses the effects of opiate-type drugs like heroin and keeps a person alive until emergency services arrive.
Medical help should be sought immediately if signs of overdose are observed and the person should be accompanied until help arrives.
Due to the “concerning rise in overdoses” and the risks posed by the substances, the HSE is working with various partners, including hospital emergency departments, emergency services, NGO service providers, An Garda Síochána, and laboratories at the National Drug Treatment Centre and Forensic Science Ireland to monitor the situation closely.
Ongoing analysis aims to identify the exact composition of the substance, a spokesperson said.
Nitazenes are fifteen times more potent that fentanyl and were responsible for an “unprecedented” amount of overdoses last year.
While fentanyl has not yet entered the Irish drug market, nitazenes have been sold as a ‘new’ or ‘strong’ heroin in Dublin and Cork – despite having a much higher risk than even heroin.
The synthetic opioids were associated with 57 cases of overdose in Dublin and 17 in Cork in a short time frame last year.
