Zombie drugs: Call for pill testing after synthetic opioid discovery

The state’s peak medical body is calling for permanent pill testing following the discovery of extremely potent synthetic opioids in wastewater.

A nitazene powder sample

The state’s peak medical body is calling for permanent pill testing following the revelation that extremely potent synthetic opioids have been found in Australian wastewater for the first time.

“AMA Queensland is deeply concerned by the presence of protonitazene and etonitazepyne in Australia,” AMAQ president Nick Yim said.

“The detection of these substances in wastewater suggests the product may have been disposed of there.

“However, the uncertainty about whether these substances were consumed by individuals first raises significant public health concerns.

“Even in tiny amounts these opioids can be fatal, posing significant risks to individuals.

“These alarming findings underscore the urgent need for harm reduction strategies, including permanent pill testing services.”

Dr Yim said pill testing allowed individuals to verify the contents of substances before consumption, reducing the risk of accidental overdoses from unknown and potentially lethal elements.

“Many patients choose to dispose of substances after they’ve been tested.

“It provides a lifesaving opportunity for a health professional to talk to people about what’s in their drugs and the risks involved.

AMAQ president Dr Nick Yim

“This brief but crucial interaction can be the difference between informed decision-making and a fatal overdose, he said

The AMAQ is fearful that people are purchasing unknown medicines online to try to make ends meet.

“Economic pressures can drive individuals to seek cheaper, unregulated alternatives, often unaware of the deadly risks involved.

“The rise of counterfeit pharmaceuticals containing highly potent synthetic opioids means that what appears to be a simple painkiller could contain substances up to 40 times stronger than fentanyl”

The LNP government has decided to axe CheQpoint pill testing in the state.

“We continue to urge the Queensland Government to prioritise public health and reinstate pill testing services to combat the dangers posed by these emerging synthetic opioids,” Dr Yim said.

“If pill testing can save even one life, it is money well spent – for families, parents, grandparents and loved ones in the community.”

Since December, the CheQpoint pill testing service has seen five detections of the highly dangerous benzodiazepine bromazolam, and two detections of the deadly synthetic opioid nitazene, responsible for a wave of overdose deaths across the country.

The Health Minister’s office confirmed on Wednesday that the pill testing services will be axed and there is no change in the government’s position.

Originally published as Zombie drugs: Call for pill testing after synthetic opioid discovery