Warnings Over Nitazenes – A Growing Concern for New Zealand
As we continue to monitor emerging drug trends in New Zealand, it is clear that the rise of nitazenes presents a significant public health concern. These synthetic opioids, many times more potent than fentanyl, are increasingly being detected in various forms across the country—often misrepresented as other, more familiar substances. This heightens the risk of accidental overdose and serious harm to individuals and communities alike.
Understanding the Risk
Nitazenes are a group of powerful synthetic opioids originally developed for pharmaceutical use but now found circulating in illicit drug markets. Alarmingly, they are being sold in forms that resemble commonly used opioids, such as oxycodone, but with far greater potency. This makes them particularly dangerous, as individuals who believe they are taking a known substance may unknowingly be exposed to an opioid far stronger than anticipated.
Clinical evidence suggests that nitazenes can be over ten times more potent than fentanyl, a substance already well known for its extreme strength. Even small amounts can cause severe respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, and, tragically, death. The risk is even greater when these substances are combined with other depressants such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.
The Role of Drug Testing and Early Detection
At Advance Diagnostics, we remain committed to providing trusted drug screening solutions to support workplaces, healthcare providers, and communities in navigating these evolving challenges. Early detection of dangerous substances through reliable drug testing is an essential tool in harm reduction. Our advanced screening products are designed to provide accurate and timely results, helping organisations identify potential risks and take proactive measures to protect their people.
In recent months, New Zealand health authorities have raised alarms about the emergence of highly potent synthetic opioids known as nitazenes. T
December 2024: Fake Oxycodone Tablets Containing Nitazenes
In December 2024, the New Zealand Customs Service intercepted counterfeit oxycodone tablets at the border. Laboratory analyses revealed these tablets contained nitazenes, exhibiting potency similar to or exceeding that of fentanyl. These counterfeit tablets, mimicking legitimate oxycodone by their yellow and green colors and “40” and “OP” inscriptions, posed severe overdose risks to unsuspecting users.
April 2024: Nitazenes Found in Fake Diazepam Tablets
In April 2024, health officials identified N-Desethyletonitazene, another potent nitazene variant, in counterfeit blue diazepam tablets in Wellington. This discovery underscored the escalating threat of nitazenes infiltrating various drug supplies, increasing the potential for accidental overdoses among users.
Ongoing Warnings and Recommendations
The New Zealand Drug Foundation and High Alert have consistently cautioned the public about nitazenes. They emphasize the critical importance of drug checking services to detect these dangerous substances. Additionally, they advocate for the widespread availability of naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, to mitigate the risks associated with nitazene consumption.
Recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose—such as pale or clammy skin, limp body, blue-tinged lips or fingernails, vomiting, inability to awaken, pinpoint pupils, and slowed or stopped breathing—is crucial. In such events, calling emergency services immediately and administering naloxone can be life-saving.
These developments highlight the pressing need for vigilance, harm reduction strategies, and public awareness to combat the dangers posed by nitazenes in New Zealand.
Harm Reduction Strategies
Given the increasing prevalence of nitazenes, a comprehensive approach is required to mitigate harm. Key strategies include:
- Drug Checking Services: These services allow individuals to test substances before use, helping to identify the presence of unexpected and dangerous compounds like nitazenes.
- Naloxone Accessibility: Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Expanding access to naloxone within workplaces and community settings is critical in reducing fatalities.
- Education and Awareness: Providing accurate information about the risks associated with synthetic opioids is vital. Employers, health professionals, and community leaders all have a role to play in ensuring that individuals are well informed.
A Collective Effort to Address the Challenge
As a nation, we must take a proactive stance in addressing the threat posed by nitazenes. Through a combination of robust drug testing, harm reduction initiatives, and public awareness, we can help minimise the impact of these dangerous substances.
Advance Diagnostics remains steadfast in its commitment to providing high-quality drug screening solutions that enable organisations to foster safer environments. By working together, we can help safeguard our communities and reduce the harm caused by emerging synthetic opioids.
If you have concerns about drug use in your workplace or community, we encourage you to reach out to our team to learn more about how our trusted drug testing solutions can help.
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