Counterfeit oxycodone leads to death in Netherlands

Authorities in the Netherlands are warning the public about fake oxycodone pills after a 30-year-old man died in Amsterdam. He purchased the pills online without a prescription. Instead of oxycodone, the counterfeit drugs contained nitazenes, which are much stronger synthetic opioids. Nitazenes can cause fatal breathing problems even in small amounts. The effects last longer than those of oxycodone, increasing the risk of overdose. The police are investigating where the deceased man got the fake pills. This isn't an isolated case. Many people have needed emergency medical help after taking online pills that were supposed to be oxycodone but contained nitazenes instead. These counterfeit drugs can look very similar to real oxycodone and are sometimes sold on social media. Henk de Groot, the chief inspector at the Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate, emphasized the dangers of buying prescription medications online. He noted that even though the pills may appear authentic, people cannot be sure what they are actually getting. The warning comes as the availability of nitazenes and other synthetic opioids is increasing in Europe. Health officials are advising people to avoid purchasing pain medications online and to seek immediate medical attention if they feel unwell after taking any pills. The authorities also encourage reporting websites that sell prescription drugs without a prescription.