High-risk drug alert: Fake Nucynta tablets containing Nitazenes found in Queensland

Counterfeit tablets containing powerful synthetic opioid protonitazene, have been detected in Queensland. 

The counterfeit Nucynta tablets are sold outside Australia and contain tapendadol. However, tapentadol is not currently available in Australia, and should serve as a warning to consumers.

The counterfeit tablets may range in colour from pale yellow to red and are marked with a dot between the O and M. Genuine tablets
have a short dash between the O and M. Testing of different tablets from the same packaging indicated varying levels of protonitazene in the fake tablets

EVEN TINY AMOUNTS OF PROTONITAZENE CAN CAUSE OVERDOSE AND DEATH

If you are taking drugs, please remember to:

• be cautious if buying from a new supplier
• if a product looks different to expected be alert
• use smaller quantities and do not use alone
• have Naloxone on hand at all times

SIGNS OF OPIOID OVERDOSE:

• Tiny (pinned) pupils
• Slowed breathing
• Blue lips/fingernails
• Loss of consciousness and hard to rouse

If you experience adverse drug effects, or are present when someone has an unexpected reaction, seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000).

Naloxone is an easy-to-use medication that can reverse opioid overdose. It is safe to use even if you are not sure whether someone has taken opioids. Ask your CNP or AOD worker how to access naloxone today.

If you have questions or would like to talk to someone about alcohol and other drugs, check out our help services page.