NSW Health warns of heroin overdoses among people who think they are consuming cocaine

A drug circulating around Sydney that people think is cocaine has resulted in at least one death and multiple hospitalisations.

NSW Health is warning about a rise in heroin overdoses. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

One person has died and others have been hospitalised in the past week from heroin overdoses after they consumed a drug they thought was cocaine.

NSW Health said the drug was circulating around Sydney and all of the people affected were aged in their 30s.

“We’ve seen heroin overdose among people using what they thought was cocaine,” NSW Poisons Information Centre medical director Darren Roberts said in a statement on Wednesday.

“A heroin overdose could quickly result from snorting a single line.

“It’s important that people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond.”

People think they are consuming cocaine but they are overdosing on heroin. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

Dr Roberts said opioids could cause pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slowed breathing or snoring, and skin turning blue or grey.

“One of the dangers of illicit drug supply is the strength and contents of the substance you are getting is unknown and can be inconsistent,” he said.

“In light of this detection, people who use cocaine should also consider carrying naloxone.”

Naloxone, which reverses the effects of opioids, does not require a prescription and is free for anyone at risk of opioid overdose in NSW.

It is available as a nasal spray or injection.

Originally published as NSW Health warns of heroin overdoses among people who think they are consuming cocaine