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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2018, 20, N6 (pages: 35 - 37)

Outbreak of 'Novel Synthetic Opioids': A Deadly Threat to Public Health

Lovrecic B., and Lovrecic M.

Summary: In the period from 2012 to 2016 fourteen fentanyl analogues and three synthetic opioids belonging to other structural groups were reported to the UNODC from East Asia, Europe and North America. In just the last three years (2014-2017) the variety of the group of Novel synthetic opioids (NSOs) increased dramatically. Monitoring of the health consequences of exposure to NSOs is demanding, the consequences are underestimated. Further research on NSOs is needed in order to recognise their pharmacokinetic properties and effects (acute and long-term), while giving updates on drug testing protocols in clinical settings and postmortem forensic analysis. In cases of opioid toxidrome, naloxone, can be administered to treat/NSO overdoses, but higher or repeated doses of naloxone (doses of 10 to 20 mg) may be required. Challenges to routine surveillance of exposure to NSOs and NSO news highlights are reported.