NSW Health warns community about danger of drug use after five hospitalised in suspected heroin overdoses

Five people have been hospitalised for heroin overdoses after they thought they were using cocaine, prompting NSW Health to issue a health warning about the danger of using drugs.

NSW Poisons Information Centre medical director Darren Roberts said all five people were hospitalised after using what they believed was cocaine but instead was laced with heroin.

“A heroin overdose could quickly result from a single line,” Dr Roberts said.

“It is important that people recognise the signs of a heroin overdose early and know how to respond.”

Two of the five people hospitalised were treated in an intensive care unit.

Dr Roberts said people should be aware that anyone who uses opioids such as heroin can show signs of pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slowed breathing, snoring and skin turning blue/grey.

He said anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention by calling triple-0 because they can be life threatening.

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

“Opioids such as heroin can be sold as or found in cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy).

“You cannot always tell the difference between these drugs by appearance.

“In light of this detection, people who use drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA or opioids should carry naloxone.”

NSW Health states Naloxone, which reverses the effects of opioids, should be given immediately if available.

The nasal spray or injection does not require a prescription and is free for anyone at risk of opioid overdose in NSW.