Austin Health

Title
From signal to alert: A cluster of exposures to counterfeit alprazolam tablets containing five novel benzodiazepines.
Publication Date
2023
Author(s)
Syrjanen, Rebekka
Schumann, Jennifer
Hodgson, Sarah E
Abouchedid, Rachelle
Rotella, Joe-Anthony
Graudins, Andis
Greene, Shaun L
Subject
early warning system
novel benzodiazepines
novel psychoactive substances
toxicosurveillance
Type of document
Journal Article
OrcId
0000-0002-8109-164X
0000-0002-8870-6272
0000-0003-4649-1813
0000-0002-5377-7580
0000-0003-2068-8757
0000-0002-0310-3983
0000-0002-7423-2467
DOI
10.1111/1742-6723.14108
Abstract
To illustrate the toxicosurveillance role of the Emerging Drugs Network of Australia - Victoria (EDNAV) project in informing timely harm minimisation interventions. Utilisation of an ethics approved clinical registry storing de-identified clinical and analytical data on Victorian ED illicit drug-related presentations. In April 2022, six adults presented to hospital with varying levels of sedation, following the use of counterfeit benzodiazepines. Comprehensive toxicological analysis identified five separate novel benzodiazepines within blood samples from each patient. A public 'Drug Alert' was subsequently issued, and local emergency physicians were notified. Toxicosurveillance projects, such as EDNAV, are critical to the continued monitoring and reporting of illicit substance use in the community.
Link
Citation
Emergency Medicine Australasia: EMA 2023; 35(1)
Jornal Title
Emergency Medicine Australasia : EMA

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