High alert sent out for potent opioid mix found in Wellington

A high alert has been sent out after fake pink oxycodone pills turned out to be a “potent mix” of a synthetic opioid and a benzodiazepine.

Drug Information and Alerts Aotearoa New Zealand (DIANZ) said the combination tablets can “easily lead to an overdose” even among experienced opioid users and is urging “extreme caution” to anyone who chooses to take them.

The tablets were found in the Wellington region and could be available around the country, the agency confirmed.

Fake pink oxycodone pills found in Wellington turned out to be a “potent mix” of a synthetic opioid and a benzodiazepine.

The tablets are round and pink with a symbol pressed into one side, and might also be circulating in powder form.

DIANZ said; “Both benzodiazepines and opioids are depressant drugs and will have an additive effect when taken together”.

There is an increased overdose risk because both drugs can sedate, suppress breathing and impair cognitive functions.

If you are considering using a drug that may be this tablet, DIANZ’s advice is:

• Use it when you are with a friend who can help or call an ambulance if necessary.
• Start off with an extremely small amount to see how it affects you first.
• Avoid combining it with other substances, especially suppressants that could add to the sedative effects.
• Have naloxone with you to reverse an opioid overdose. Remember that this medication will not reverse a benzodiazepine overdose so you will still need additional medical help.

If you or someone you know has taken this substance and start to lose consciousness or breathe slowly, call 111 and tell them you think you have taken a mix of an opioid and benzodiazepine.

Janhavi Gosavi is a Wellington-based journalist for the New Zealand Herald who covers news in the capital.