HSE issues warning about batch of potentially lethal tablets containing nitazene

“The HSE advises that there is extra risk at this time and strongly recommends people not to take these tablets.

Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE National Clinical Lead, Addiction Services, said: “We urge extreme caution following a number of overdoses related to counterfeit benzodiazepine tablets. Preliminary analysis suggests nitazenes, a potent and dangerous synthetic opioid, may be responsible. 

“These pose a substantial risk of overdose, hospitalization, and death.” 

The HSE offered the following advice to those who take drugs and those who find someone who may have overdosed: 

– Avoid taking these tablets, new batches of drugs, new types of drugs or obtaining drugs from new sources due to unknown risks.

– Talk to your local service or doctor about accessing naloxone for free. Naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of opiate-type drugs like heroin, keeping the person alive until emergency services arrive.

– Get medical help immediately if you see signs of overdose. Stay with the person until help arrives.

“Due to the concerning rise in overdoses and the risks posed by nitazene-type substances, the HSE is collaborating with various partners, including hospital emergency departments, emergency services, NGO service providers, An Garda Síochána, and laboratories at the National Drug Treatment Centre and Forensic Science Ireland to monitor the situation closely,” he HSE said. 

“Ongoing analysis aims to identify the exact composition of the substance.”

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