Two people in Sydney have died in the past two months after snorting cocaine containing opioids including heroin, with another nine hospitalised.
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NSW Health on Wednesday issued a health alert about the quality of cocaine currently in circulation in Sydney, saying it may be seriously harmful.
NSW Poisons Information Centre medical director Darren Roberts said 11 people who reported using cocaine in Sydney had been hospitalised in the past two months with signs of an opioid overdose.
Of those 11, Dr Roberts said two people have died.
"An opioid overdose could quickly result from snorting a single line," he said.
"It's important that people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond. Opioids can cause drowsiness, loss of consciousness and slowed breathing and can be life-threatening."
Anyone who has consumed cocaine but experienced unexpected symptoms such as drowsiness should seek urgent medical attention.
For these people, the drug naloxone is required to reverse the opioids' effect.
Australian Associated Press
