Drug Alert️ Cocaine mixed with Fentanyl has been circulating widely in NSW and has caused multiple opioid overdoses particularly in people who don’t regularly use opioids.
Fentanyl is a very strong opioid 100x stronger than morphine.
The risk of overdose is much higher if you aren’t a regular opioid user.
Your risk of overdose also increases drastically if you have been using other drugs like alcohol, benzo’s, ketamine or GHB. Opioid overdoses can be reversed by administering Naloxone, which is available for free in participating NSW pharmacies and through NUAA (see below).
SIGNS OF OPIOID OVERDOSE
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Slow, shallow, erratic or no breathing
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Pinpoint pupils
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Drowsiness
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Loss of consciousness/passing out
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Face is pale or clammy
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Change in skin tone: bluish/purple for lighter skinned people, and greyish for darker skinned people
GETTING HELP
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Always call 000 ASAP if you feel unwell or a friend overdoses.
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Use naloxone (nasal spray or syringe). Call 000 even if naloxone has been given.
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If your friend is breathing, put them into recovery position.
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If they aren’t breathing, start giving CPR immediately.
PREVENTING OVERDOSE
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Start low, go slow – use a sample first – if the drugs aren’t working proceed with extreme caution
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Avoid using alone.
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If using in a group, try not to use all at once – group overdose is common with fentanyl.
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Get naloxone and carry it with you.
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Check your drugs any way you can – use fentanyl test strips, ask your dealer about the gear, use a small amount first.