Urgent Warning: Deadly Protonitazene Found in Fake Oxycodone Pills

Date: April 2025

A highly dangerous synthetic opioid called protonitazene has been detected in a counterfeit oxycodone pill tested by Pill Testing Australia. The pill, a red or pink bear-shaped press with a ‘Y’ on both sides, was purchased on the dark web and expected to contain oxycodone. Instead, it contained protonitazene, a substance significantly stronger than fentanyl, posing a severe risk of fatal overdose.

[](https://pilltestingaustralia.com.au/protonitazene-found-in-oxycodone-pill/)

What Was Found?

The counterfeit pill was:

Appearance: Red or pink, bear-shaped with a ‘Y’ on front and back.
Contents: Protonitazene, a potent synthetic opioid. No oxycodone was detected.

Protonitazene is part of the nitazene family of synthetic opioids, which can be up to 100 times stronger than heroin and are linked to multiple overdoses and deaths in Australia.

[](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/jul/02/melbourne-cocaine-opioid-laced-protonitazene-nso-warning)

Why Is This Dangerous?

Protonitazene is extremely risky because:

High Potency: It is much stronger than fentanyl, meaning even a tiny amount can cause an overdose.
Unexpected Presence: Users may think they’re taking oxycodone, unaware of the deadly opioid inside.
No Safe Dose: The strength of protonitazene varies, and there’s no way to use it safely.
Risky Combinations: Mixing with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other depressants can stop breathing and lead to death.

Overdose Signs? Act Fast!

If someone is unresponsive, breathing slowly, or has pinpoint pupils:

Call 000 immediately for emergency help.
Use naloxone if available—it can reverse an opioid overdose but may require multiple doses for protonitazene.
Place the person on their side to prevent choking and stay with them until help arrives.

How to Stay Safer

We know some people may use these substances. To reduce harm:

Carry Naloxone: Get free naloxone through the Take Home Naloxone Program at participating pharmacies. It’s a lifesaving tool that can reverse opioid overdoses. Learn more at health.gov.au.
Test Your Drugs: Use drug checking services like Pill Testing Australia when available to identify dangerous substances.
Start Small: If you choose to use, take a very small amount and wait to see the effects.
Don’t Use Alone: Have a friend nearby who can call for help or use naloxone if needed.
Avoid Mixing: Combining with other drugs or alcohol greatly increases overdose risk.

Key Takeaway

Fake oxycodone pills, like the red or pink bear-shaped ones marked with a ‘Y’, may contain protonitazene, a deadly opioid far stronger than fentanyl. There’s no safe way to use these pills. Protect yourself by carrying naloxone, testing drugs when possible, and knowing how to spot and respond to an overdose. Stay safe.