Two people have died and two others have been hospitalised after overdosing on drugs initially thought to be cocaine but which turned out to be heroin.
The deaths prompted an urgent warning from the New South Wales Department of Health about the danger of illicit drugs whose concentration and content were unknown and inconsistent.
NSW Department of Health addiction specialist Dr Hester Wilson said fatal heroin overdoses could easily have been the result of a single line of drugs.
“It’s important for people to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond,” she said.
‘Opioids like heroin can cause constricted pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing, snoring, and blue or grayish discoloration of the skin, and can be life-threatening.
‘Heroin and other opioids can be sold or found in cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy).
‘You can’t always tell the difference between these drugs by their appearance.
‘In light of this detection, people who use drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA or opioids should carry naloxone with them.’
Two people have died and two others have been hospitalised after overdosing on drugs initially thought to be cocaine but which turned out to be heroin.
Anyone who notices someone experiencing unexpected symptoms after taking drugs should call Triple-0 immediately or seek urgent medical attention.
Experts also suggest that people carry naloxone, which should be administered immediately as an important life-saving medication that reverses the effects of opioids.
Naloxone does not require a prescription and is free to anyone at risk of opioid overdose in New South Wales.
It is available as an easy-to-use nasal spray or injection at some pharmacies and other health services.
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