Queensland Health is warning the public against taking illegally-sourced drugs following the seizure of counterfeit medications containing life-threatening substances.
Executive Director of the Department’s Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch, John Allan said tablets found during various investigations this year had tested positive to protonitazene, a strong opioid that could be fatal even in small amounts.
“The tablets have been branded to appear as genuine medications, including Xanax, which is not available commercially in Australia,” Associate Professor Allan said.
“Protonitazene can lead to respiratory failure, loss of consciousness, coma and death, even if taken in small quantities.”
He said anyone who suspected they had fake tablets should dispose of them safely.
“Many of the counterfeit tablets appear genuine and are in labelled Xanax bottles. Unsuspecting users may not notice they are counterfeits,” Professor Allan said.
“This highlights why people should not source substances illegally. You could unknowingly be taking a potentially fatal substance.”
He said that in addition to loss of consciousness and respiratory failure, symptoms of opioid overdose included shallow breathing, slow or erratic pulse, confusion, small pupils, unresponsiveness, and bluish or greyish skin from poor circulation.
“Anyone who experiences any toxic effects after drug use should seek medical attention immediately by calling Triple Zero for emergency assistance, going to their nearest emergency department, or calling the Queensland Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26,” Professor Allan said.
