Drugs cut with dangerous substances
You never really know what is in any street drug or counterfeit medicine, whether purchased online or on the street. Be cautious of any drug sold illegally, including by illicit online pharmacies.
Drugs that contain ‘nitazenes’ are killing people across the UK. These are highly dangerous synthetic opioids which have been found in a wide range of drugs that people have taken on nights out, to help them sleep or to self-medicate.
Counterfeit medicines which are made to look like real medicines – such as Oxycodone or Percocet, have been found with these dangerous ‘nitazenes’ within them without people knowing. Nitazenes have also been reported in other counterfeit pills, like fake diazepam (brand name Valium) and fake alprazolam (brand name Xanax). Drugs in other forms like powders could also contain nitazenes.
If a counterfeit medicine or drug contains ‘nitazenes’, it can be fatal. This is because there's only a small difference between a dose that gets you high, and one that can kill.
If you are taking drugs to help with an issue, like poor sleep, pain, anxiety or for low mood, it’s important to seek help from a doctor. Self-medicating is likely to make problems worse rather than solving them without a proper diagnosis and follow up.
Synthetic opioids are man-made drugs that mimic the effects of natural opioids (such as opium or heroin) but can be much more deadly. Most synthetic opioids, including nitazenes and fentanyl, are class A drugs which means they're illegal to have for yourself, give away or sell. Some synthetic opioids are used in healthcare as pain relievers or anaesthetics but fakes are also made and sold illegally. Others have no legitimate uses and are only produced and sold illegally.
The only way to avoid all risks is not to take these tablets. If you decided to take them despite the risks, you might be able to reduce the risks if you:
Have naloxone at hand. The opioid overdose antidote, naloxone, works on synthetic opioids so have it to hand if you’re going to put yourself at risk. You can get it from your nearest drug service.
Don’t use alone.
Start with a very small amount and wait to see what the effect is before considering taking any more, but even a small amount of a drug could kill if it contains nitazenes.
If you’re in a group, don’t all use at the same time so there is no-one available to help and get help if people become unwell or overdose.
Regularly check up on somebody after taking drugs on a night out - even if they look asleep. People can fall into a fatal overdose within a short space of time.
If someone is unwell or unconscious, call an ambulance straightaway and be honest about what they have taken so they can help you. Don’t let someone go to sleep alone, thinking they will ‘sleep it off’. Find more about what to do in an emergency here.
