Drug testers have come across misrepresented pills within a seemingly legitimate blister pack, purchased on the black market.
The pills were opiates disguised within benzodiazepine packaging. A post from High Alert today says that “these cases show that the packaging of medications is no longer a sign of legitimate supply” on the black market.
The SMC asked experts for comment.
Dr Rhys Ponton, School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, comments:
“Drugs supplied in professional, quality packaging provide legitimacy and assurance regarding the product. There is an immense market for counterfeit (fake or falsified) medicines (particularly tablets and capsules) that relies on high quality, professional-looking packaging to convince patients and health professionals that a product is genuine and contains the drug as claimed. People who purchase products in such packaging are often lulled into a very false sense of security. These products may contain a different drug or no active ingredient at all. Doses of any active ingredient may be too high or too low, and will likely be inconsistent between each tablet or capsule.
“This is of particular concern with regard to drugs of misuse where people are pushed to source drugs from illegitimate sources. On the black market, such products convey not only an assurance of quality, but also safety in that they will contain the correct drug in a specified dose. Unfortunately, this is far from the case. Drugs available on the illicit markets both internationally as well as here in New Zealand are available in pseudo-genuine packaging, and have been tested and found to not contain the drugs as claimed. All drugs are a risk, but counterfeit, fake, opioids present a significant risk of danger. Opioid overdose presents a high risk of death. New, highly potent opioids such as nitazenes have been identified in products sold as the pharmaceutical opioid Oxycontin.
“Whilst the ability to produce products in such packaging is above that of many drug manufacturers, the technology to make these products is readily available in nations such as India.
“Any drugs purchased or sourced from the illicit drug market should be taken to drug checking services to have the drug tested – these are anonymous, free services that are key to reducing potential harm to people considering consuming such products. They can test a wide range of drugs. Naloxone is widely available in New Zealand and anyone who consumes illicit opioids or lives with or knows anyone who uses these should consider obtaining some for administration in an opioid overdose emergency.”
No conflict of interest declared.