'Red Bull' logo red/orange rectangular tablets sold as MDMA (ecstasy) found to contain a nitazene (potent opioid) and no MDMA

​​

Warning

'Red Bull' tablets sold as MDMA (ecstasy) caused multiple hospitalisations in Sydney last weekend. Analysis of one tablet identified a potent opioid (a nitazene) and no MDMA.​

Last updated: 20 June 2024
Download

Red tablet with a bull Red tablet with words 'red bull' 

Tablet appearance is not a reliable indicator of drug content.

Know the risks

  • Nitazenes can be as strong as, or stronger than, fentanyl and cause slow breathing or death.
  • Naloxone can temporarily reverse an overdose from opioids, such as nitazenes. Higher doses of naloxone may be required to reverse nitazene overdose.
  • You are at increased risk of harm if you:
    • use drugs when you are alone
    • take opioids for the first time, or again after a break
    • mix different drugs - alcohol, benzodiazepines and opioids are very dangerous to combine.
  • Fentanyl test strips are unable to detect these nitazene opioids.
  • Nitazene use has been linked to death and other serious harms.
  • Exercise extreme caution with 'Red Bull' tablets. 'Red Bull' tablets have also been found to contain multiple other substances in the past 12 months.

Effects to look out for

Opioid overdose symptoms include any of:

  • pin-point pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness
  • slow breathing/snoring and skin turning blue or grey.

If you or others experience these symptoms after taking drugs, get help immediately.

Getting help

If you or your friends see the warning signs of overdose:

  • Seek help immediately from your nearest emergency department or call Triple Zero (000). You won’t get into trouble for seeking medical care.
  • Start CPR if someone is not breathing.
  • Use naloxone if you have it. Call ‘000’ even if naloxone has been given.

Support and advice

For free and confidential advice:

Take Home Naloxone program

  • If you use any drugs, you should carry naloxone. Drugs sold as cocaine and MDMA have been found to contain opioids.

  • Naloxone is an easy-to-use, life-saving medicine that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. People at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose or who may witness an overdose can get naloxone for free without a prescription from some NSW community pharmacies, NSW Health needle and syringe programs, opioid treatment services and NUAA.
  • Visit Your Room for participating sites and more information on take-home naloxone.
  • NUAA can mail you naloxone for free in a discreet package. Order via their online shop or call (02) 9171 6650.