Health experts warn about 'deadly' pill disguised as painkillers
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When it comes to safety and first aid at home, we often run to our nearest pharmacies for over-the-counter medicine.
These medicines often provide relief before any scheduled hospital visits.
However, the rise of counterfeit medicine has been a growing concern worldwide and has recently hit close to home.
A chilling discovery in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) prompted a severe health warning after a 'fake' pill masquerading as a common painkiller.
The unsuspecting painkiller was 1000 times stronger than morphine.
This alarming revelation underscored the dangers lurking within unregulated drugs, particularly for those who seek alternatives outside of traditional pharmaceutical avenues.
The counterfeit pill, designed to look like oxycodone, was tested by the ACT's pill testing service, CanTEST.
The results showed a substance called N-pyrrolidino—a type of synthetic opioid known as nitazene.
While this particular variant is 1000 times stronger than morphine, it is also 100 times stronger than fentanyl—a drug infamous for overdose deaths.
The painkiller—disguised as a small yellow pill—was brought in for testing in Canberra from an unregulated drug network.
While the seller's information remains undisclosed, the presence of such a potent drug among the public could be a cause for grave concern.
This is not the first time CanTEST has issued a warning about nitazenes.
This has been CanTEST's third notice and the second instance involving counterfeit oxycodone.
'All nitazenes carry a risk of fatal overdose. There is no safe way to use them,' CanTEST stated.
'Any type of drug sourced from the unregulated market, including convincing-looking counterfeit pharmaceuticals, may contain nitazenes or other dangerous substances.'
These drugs could cause opioid-like overdoses and may require ongoing monitoring for the potential for multiple overdoses over time.
Outside the ACT, nitazines have also been used in Victoria—which saw 17 deaths related to the drug.
With just two milligrams constituting a fatal dose, the spread of these substances in major cities should be a pressing issue.
Alarmingly, traces of nitazenes were also found in items such as MDMA, ketamine, heroin, counterfeit pharmaceuticals, and even electronic cigarettes.
CanTEST urged the public to report any form of overdose to emergency services by dialling 000.
The rapid response and proper medical intervention are crucial in these situations.
This news should be a stark reminder to be vigilant when it comes to medication.
Reputable pharmacies should always fill prescriptions and always be wary of any medications obtained outside of these trusted sources.
Have you or someone you know encountered counterfeit medicine while buying prescription drugs? Share your thoughts and insights with us in the comments below, and let's raise awareness within our community.
These medicines often provide relief before any scheduled hospital visits.
However, the rise of counterfeit medicine has been a growing concern worldwide and has recently hit close to home.
A chilling discovery in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) prompted a severe health warning after a 'fake' pill masquerading as a common painkiller.
The unsuspecting painkiller was 1000 times stronger than morphine.
This alarming revelation underscored the dangers lurking within unregulated drugs, particularly for those who seek alternatives outside of traditional pharmaceutical avenues.
The counterfeit pill contained dangerous amounts of nitazene, which could cause death for its consumers. Image Credit: Instagram/Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy
The counterfeit pill, designed to look like oxycodone, was tested by the ACT's pill testing service, CanTEST.
The results showed a substance called N-pyrrolidino—a type of synthetic opioid known as nitazene.
While this particular variant is 1000 times stronger than morphine, it is also 100 times stronger than fentanyl—a drug infamous for overdose deaths.
The painkiller—disguised as a small yellow pill—was brought in for testing in Canberra from an unregulated drug network.
While the seller's information remains undisclosed, the presence of such a potent drug among the public could be a cause for grave concern.
This is not the first time CanTEST has issued a warning about nitazenes.
This has been CanTEST's third notice and the second instance involving counterfeit oxycodone.
'All nitazenes carry a risk of fatal overdose. There is no safe way to use them,' CanTEST stated.
'Any type of drug sourced from the unregulated market, including convincing-looking counterfeit pharmaceuticals, may contain nitazenes or other dangerous substances.'
These drugs could cause opioid-like overdoses and may require ongoing monitoring for the potential for multiple overdoses over time.
Outside the ACT, nitazines have also been used in Victoria—which saw 17 deaths related to the drug.
With just two milligrams constituting a fatal dose, the spread of these substances in major cities should be a pressing issue.
Alarmingly, traces of nitazenes were also found in items such as MDMA, ketamine, heroin, counterfeit pharmaceuticals, and even electronic cigarettes.
CanTEST urged the public to report any form of overdose to emergency services by dialling 000.
The rapid response and proper medical intervention are crucial in these situations.
This news should be a stark reminder to be vigilant when it comes to medication.
Reputable pharmacies should always fill prescriptions and always be wary of any medications obtained outside of these trusted sources.
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