NSW Health has issued a warning against the potential dangers of fentanyl-related substances hidden within illicit drugs, following recent cases of serious harm.
The Department said the strong opioids fentanyl and acetylfentanyl had been recently identified as likely adulterants in cocaine and ketamine.
Clinical Director at the NSW Poisons Information Centre, Andrew Dawson said people who had recently used substances they thought were cocaine or ketamine had developed toxicity from acetylfentanyl and fentanyl in NSW.
“We’ve seen several people recently where acetylfentanyl was taken unknowingly and was associated with serious harm,” Professor Dawson said.
“The side effects of acetylfentanyl include drowsiness, loss of consciousness and slowed breathing, and when taken unknowingly can cause life-threatening effects,” he said.
“It’s important that people realise an overdose can occur with very small doses of fentanyl-related substances.”
Professor Dawson said the severity of effects would depend on the amount of fentanyl or acetylfentanyl within a particular substance, how much people had taken, and whether they regularly consumed opioids.
“If you have taken a substance and are experiencing side effects, call Triple Zero (‘000’) immediately or seek urgent medical attention,” he said.
“Anyone who has concerns about substances containing fentanyl or adverse effects from fentanyl-related substances should contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.”
He said Fentanyl was a strong opioid used for a range of health conditions, primarily for the management of severe pain.
Professor Dawson said acetylfentanyl was a similar opioid to fentanyl and had similar effects but was not used medically.
