It has been alerted that a hazardous synthetic opiate that caused multiple overdoses in Ireland last month is still in circulation.
Late last year, nitazene, a substitute to heroin, was connected to over 74 overdoses in Cork and Dublin, with 57 of those happening in less than two weeks in Dublin.
Eddie Mullins, chief executive of Merchant’s Quay Ireland, has stated that the opiates being marketed as heroin are still in circulation.
According to Mr. Mullins, who spoke with the sources, nitazene overdoses are still occurring.
“We experienced a wave of overdoses on Merchant’s Quay last Friday. We had five in a very short period of time,” he stated.
“After obtaining and analyzing some of the medications, we discovered that they still contain nitazene. Thus, the batch that proliferated in November remains present.”
There were no traces of heroin detected at all in some of the drug tests.
Nitazene has been sold as powerful or new heroin in these cases after being combined with coffee and paracetamol, according to Professor Eamon Keenan, national clinical head for addiction services with the HSE.
Following the material’s discovery in Irish cities, the HSE issued a “extreme risk” warning on social media, as well as on posters and electronic road traffic signs.
Individuals who use opioids or intravenously inject should be aware that the specific substance is still in circulation and should stay vigilant.
Nitazene is available as pills and powder. The powder version has been connected to the overdoses in Ireland.
Hildegarde Naughton, the Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing, and the National Drugs Strategy, has reiterated her commitment to growing the availability of naloxone, highlighting the drug’s critical role in saving the lives of overdose victims in recent weeks.
The prescription substance reverses the effects of heroin, morphine, methadone, and nitazene for a brief period of time.
“During the recent overdose instances in Dublin and Cork, we witnessed the life-saving effects of naloxone. It was often delivered prior to the arrival of emergency personnel, which emphasizes the necessity of having it more easily accessible, Ms. Naughton stated.
Addiction agencies have been asked to provide people with access to the naloxone antidote.
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