Drug Alert: Bad batch of Heroin

Written by AlisonFreemantle on Friday 13th August 2021

Recent bad batches of Heroin causing sudden deaths in Portsmouth, Hampshire, London and in other parts of the country

Bad batches of Heroin in circulation have been tested and shown to contain Isotonitazene.

  • This is an extremely dangerous synthetic Opioid, 500 times stronger than Heroin which can, and has killed
  • The extreme changes to strength make it very difficult to know how much can be safely used
  • There is an increased and significant risk of overdose and death
  • The risk is greater if Isotonitazene is mixed with other drugs

Please make patients known to use aware:

  • Be extra cautious about the sources from which they get their drugs, and about the drugs they are taking
  • Start small – Go Slow – Use Less
  • Do not use alone; make sure that someone they trust is present and equipped with naloxone
  • Make sure they know what the signs of an overdose are:
    • loss of consciousness
    • shallow or absent breathing, ‘snoring’
    • blue lips or fingertips.
  • Seek medical help if unwell
    • Call immediately for an ambulance if someone overdoses and administer naloxone

Patients can contact Drug Support Services if they have any questions or concerns

  • Southampton
    • CGL 02380 717171 
    • DASH 02380 224 224
  • Hampshire
    • Inclusion 0300 124 0103
    • Catch 22 0845 459 9405
  • Portsmouth
    • Recovery Hub 023 9229 4573
    • DASS 07951 497898
  • Isle of Wight
    • Inclusion 01983 526654