CFAR member Dr Rhys Ponton has concerns about a significant change in the practices of opioid users in NZ, brought on by changes in available morphine preparations. Currently, all morphine comes via diverted illicit pharmaceuticals. However, a change in funding means that in a short while (possibly now) only morphine capsules will be available, in contrast to morphine tablets which have been available for decades. The capsules are harder to ‘turn’ into heroin for use, which has resulted in dealers undertaking the process themselves and selling pre-converted heroin powder. This practice brings the plethora of risk associated with the use of all illicitly obtained powders – that is, unknown purity and unknown quantity – which could lead to an increase in overdoses and possible injection-related harms, especially if the powder is ‘cut’ with some other product.

If you’re interested in knowing more on this topic, please contact Dr Ponton at r.ponton@auckland.ac.nz. Or read his letter on this issue, published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, 13th March 2020: https://www.nzma.org.nz/journal-articles/pharmaceutical-opioid-changes-risk-overdose-increase-in-new-zealand​ [access by subscription]