Drug Alert: Heroin mixed with fentanyl

Nov 2020 Heroin Drug Alert 

⚠️Heroin Drug Alert ⚠️ Heroin mixed with Fentanyl has been circulating widely in NSW and has caused multiple overdoses since Nov 19. 

NSW Health has released a warning about the presence of fentanyl and acetylfentanyl in heroin circulating around NSW, which some have described as purple in colour. 

Fentanyl is a very strong opioid 100x stronger than morphine. 👀❗️It can take less than 1 milligram to cause an overdose – that's just a few grains. 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 at NUAA's Open Clinic on Crown (see below). 

SIGNS OF OPIOID OVERDOSE  
⚠️ Slow, shallow, erratic or no breathing  
⚠️ Pinpoint pupils  
⚠️ Drowsiness 
⚠️ Loss of consciousness/passing out  
⚠️ Face is pale or clammy  
⚠️ Change in skin tone: bluish/purple for lighter skinned people, and greyish for darker skinned people  

GETTING HELP 
🚑 Always call 000 ASAP if you feel unwell or a friend overdoses. 
🚑 Use naloxone (nasal spray or syringe). Call 000 even if naloxone has been given. 
🚑 If your friend is breathing, put them into recovery position.  
🚑 If they aren't breathing, start giving CPR immediately.   

PREVENTING OVERDOSE 
🍺 Avoid mixing opioids with benzos or alcohol.  
👭 Avoid using alone. If you do, ring a friend and get them to stay on the phone until after you hit. 
❗ If using in a group, don't all use at the same time – group overdose is common with fentanyl. 
💊 Get naloxone and carry it with you.  
💊 Check your drugs any way you can – use fentanyl test strips, ask your dealer about the gear, use a small amount first. 

Naloxone reverses opioid overdose, and is safe & easy to use. Find a participating pharmacy in NSW to grab your FREE Naloxone here: https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/getting-help/Shared%20Documents/THN-registered-pharmacies.pdf.  

Free call NUAA for more info or help accessing free Naloxone on 📞1800 644 413. 

😊 PROTECT YOU & YOUR MATES 😊  

❗️Always carry Naloxone.❗️ 
Naloxone can reverse opioid overdoses, and is easy & safe to use. Naloxone reverses the effects of opiate drugs (fentanyl, heroin, morphine), however due to fentanyl's strong potency, it can require multiple doses to reverse its effects. You can get Naloxone as a nasal spray (just like hay fever meds) or as a simple intra-muscular injection. You do not need a prescription and it can be picked up for FREE in NSW pharmacies. Find the list of participating pharmacies here: https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/getting-help/Shared%20Documents/THN-registered-pharmacies.pdf.  

Free call NUAA 1800 644 413📞 to confirm their availability. NUAA's Open Clinic on Crown also offers free Naloxone at 345 Crown St, Surry Hills (Mon-Fri, 11.30-3.30). Naloxone could save you or a mates life - don't be caught without it.  

💊 Test your drugs for fentanyl. 💊  
Fentanyl testing strips are a safe and effective way to test whether your drugs contain fentanyl. NUAA uses Rapid Response fentanyl strips. You can buy these online or you can contact 📞NUAA (1800 644 413) and we will send you some for free (within NSW). If you can’t test your drugs - start with a very, very small dose. Wait at least an hour to make sure you don’t experience any unusual effects. If you do, don’t take any more. Call 000 if you do not feel well. For more information, call 📞NUAA’s PeerLine on 1800 644 413 (M-F, 9-5).