NHS have reached out with information and signposting of the substance Nitazenes.
Nitazeneso Nitazenes pose a substantial risk of overdose due to their high potency. o Detections in harms and in the wider drugs market are increasing. o Metonitazene, isotonitazene, protonitazene and N-pyrrolidino-etonitazene have been detected in deaths. o Please re-read and share the alert on nitazene-type opioids. o Data on detections can be found in the RADAR quarterly report.
Naloxone o Naloxone effectively reverses opioid overdoses. o Multiple doses may be necessary to reverse overdoses from nitazenes. o Doses should be administered one at a time, waiting 2-3 minutes between each dose while watching for a response. o If multiple kits have been administered but they are having no effect, it may be that this is a different type of medical emergency. This is one reason an ambulance is called immediately, so that professional assistance can be offered as soon as possible. o Order take-home naloxone.
Services o Ensure your setting is prepared and ready to respond to overdose situations. o Increase and optimise the availability of naloxone. o Promote and discuss realistic harm reduction measures that mirror those recommended for opioid and polydrug use – be very cautious, dose low, go slow, avoid mixing, use in company, carry naloxone. Opioid overdose signs · unconsciousness (won’t wake with a shout or a shake) · unable to speak or respond · shallow (or slowed) breathing · snoring or rasping breaths · blue lips · pale skin · pin-point pupils For resources, visit at STOP THE DEATHS.