NSW Health officials are urging the government to consider pill testing and other drug-checking measures in light of a growing crisis involving potent synthetic opioids like nitazene. The call comes after several young adults in Fairfield Hospital developed nitazene dependence after inhaling illicit vape liquid containing protonitazene. Patients with nitazene withdrawal require complex medical attention. The brief, obtained under freedom-of-information laws, highlights the public interest in checking for these substances and emphasizes the need to consider technology capable of testing for nitazenes and other novel synthetic opioids.
Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant pushed for NSW to consider drug checking measures beyond pill testing .
Withdrawals were observed in four young adult patients who were previously “opioid naive” and developed a nitazene addiction after inhaling illicit vape liquid that contained protonitazene, a synthetic opioid. The cases prompted NSW Health to revise its nitazene treatment advice, recommending doctors enquire about vape use and side effects, particularly if “opioid-like”.The advice was forwarded from Minns’ office to Health Minister Ryan Park, who – in an October response – refused to be drawn on the role pill testing could play to reduce synthetic opioid harm.
Testing will occur at up to 12 music festivals in 2025. Services will test for synthetic opioids. PolicePark said the decision to implement pill testing was based on advice of Tebbutt and Brogden, and meetings with advocates such as John Gordon, whose son died of an accidental nitazene overdose from a fake oxycodone pill in 2022.
Drug Checking Pill Testing Nitazene Synthetic Opioids Public Health
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