The Ministry of Health says it's aware of the "potential emerging issue" around heroin overdoses
The Ministry of Health says it's aware of the "potential emerging issue" around heroin overdoses
13 March 2020
Pharmac has switched from using a slow-release tablet to a capsule - making it harder for dealers to create a heroin product.
Instead they're producing a powder which makes it harder for users to monitor the amount they take.
Addictions group manager Richard Taylor says they've shared information with the National Drug Intelligence Bureau which monitors illicit drug trends.
He says in the event of an overdose Naloxone - a drug which reverses the impact of an opioid overdose is available on prescription from authorised prescribers on a Practitioner's Supply Order.
It's also carried by the Ministry's funded emergency ambulance services.
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