WARNING: HSE in tablet warning amid 'overdose clusters' and death fears

A new HSE alert has been issued following the identification of a lethal nitazene-type substance in yellow tablets sold as benzodiazepines in Ireland.

The tablet have cropped up most across the Mid-West, Dublin and Galway Regions.

In an alert, the HSE said: "These tablets have been linked with overdose clusters. The HSE will monitor the situation with relevant stakeholders and update as necessary.

"We are advising of an extra risk to people who use drugs following a cluster of overdoses in Dublin, Galway and the Mid- West. Our National Drug Treatment Centre has confirmed nitazene in yellow, round counterfeit benzodiazepine tablets associated with these overdoses," a statement read.

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The warning said the substance poses an "extreme risk," explaining that nitazenes are "strong synthetic opioids that can cause serious overdoses, hospitalisation and drug-related death."

The HSE advice is: "Do not take these tablets. Talk to a local service about naloxone. Naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of opiate-type drugs like heroin, keeping the person alive until emergency services arrive. Mind yourself and care for others. Get medical help immediately if you see signs of overdose. Stay with the person until help arrives. It's safer not to use drugs at all."

Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE National Clinical Lead, Addiction Services, said: “We urge extreme caution following a number of overdoses related to counterfeit benzodiazepine tablets. Preliminary analysis suggests nitazenes, a potent and dangerous synthetic opioid, may be responsible. These pose a substantial risk of overdose, hospitalisation, and death.”

Due to this concerning rise in overdoses and the risks posed by nitazene-type substances, the HSE is collaborating with various partners, including hospital emergency departments, emergency services, NGO service providers, An Garda Síochána, and laboratories at the National Drug Treatment Centre and Forensic Science Ireland to monitor the situation closely. Ongoing analysis aims to identify the exact composition of the substance.