by Herschel Baker, International Liaison Director/Queensland Director, Drug Free Australia – 8 November 2025

Now the Australian drug cartels are using nitazenes (strong opioids) in refillable vape liquids see attached warning (click link at the foot of this article) it is now very important for the community to support strong legislation to stop illegal vapes. Drug Free Australia urgently request the West Australian Premier to please fast-track strong legislation to help stop vapes in W.A. and protect his community.

Main points of the warnings in the linked article are:

1. Safety Notice is current at the issue date. Printed copies are uncontrolled.

NSW Health UPDATED: Further cases of dependence linked to use of nitazenes (strong opioids) in refillable vape liquids

1. A New Type of Opioid Is Killing People in the US, Europe, and Australia

Nitazenes, a class of synthetic drugs 40 times more potent than fentanyl, are steadily becoming more common

1. Clinical Experiences With the Nitazene Class of Synthetic Opioids: A Cohort Study https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0196064425010406

This case series highlights that standard parenteral naloxone doses are typically effective, but ongoing monitoring is necessary to detect renarcotization. Nitazene opioids display novel consumption patterns, including exposure by vaping and unintentional use in products sold as containing another drug. The risk of opioid withdrawal from regular nitazene opioid use is a novel observation. Monitoring trends through active drug surveillance, public education, and community access to naloxone are crucial to mitigate the harm posed by nitazene opioid opioids.

1. Nitazenes: review of comparative pharmacology and antagonist action.

Nitazenes represent an emerging public health challenge due to their high potency, unknown pharmacokinetics, and increasing presence in illicit drug supplies. While naloxone is effective in reversing nitazene poisoning, cases of prolonged toxicity suggest the need for extended monitoring and repeated naloxone dosing. The findings of this review highlight the importance of enhanced drug surveillance, improved clinical awareness, and the development of targeted harm reduction strategies, including the potential for novel opioid antagonists with prolonged efficacy. Future research should focus on defining nitazene receptor kinetics, post-mortem redistribution effects, and optimizing naloxone administration protocols for these emerging synthetic opioids. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40422647/

To access the full document:

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Risks of nitazenes (strong opioids) in refillable vapes – from DFA