Last week, an Adelaide man was resuscitated at the Royal Adelaide Hospital after nearly dying from consuming a single street-bought oxycodone pill.

Toxicology screenings of the pill found the presence of large amounts of Protonitazene – which can produce life-threatening toxic effects at low doses.

South Australians exposed to Protonitazene are at risk of opioid poisoning, with symptoms including pinpoint pupils and shallow breathing. Severe toxicity causes respiratory failure, coma and death.

Royal Adelaide Hospital Duty Emergency Physician and Clinical Toxicologist, Associate Professor Sam Alfred, issued a strong warning about the effects of Protonitazene.

“These drugs are in South Australia and even a small amount is capable of causing an overdose which could be fatal,” Associate Professor Alfred said.

“There is a major concern that this drug is being mixed with other illicit drugs, such as oxycodone in quantities which have a significant risk of death.”

Naloxone can reverse effects, but repeated doses may be required. Naloxone is available for free at most pharmacies without a prescription.

If you or someone else has consumed illicit drugs and is showing symptoms, act quickly. Call Triple Zero (000) or go to the closest Emergency Department immediately.

For more information, visit SA Health.