VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Wednesday, the Michigan Poison Center (MPC) issued a warning about “purple heroin,” which has been linked to several overdose deaths across the state.
According to the MPC, samples sent to the Michigan State Police Laboratory for testing have identified several components of this product, including fentanyl, niacinamide, acetaminophen, flualprazolam, buspirone and brorphine.
Officials say Brorphine is s a new non-fentanyl synthetic opioid identified in “purple heroin,” and has been implicated in an overdose death in Van Buren County. Other places where purple heroin has been linked to deaths are in the Upper Peninsula.
At this time, it is not known if purple heroin is colored before or after arrival in Michigan. The significance of the color is unknown, officials said.
The availability of brorphine combined with other potent opioids, like heroin and fentanyl, pose an imminent hazard to public safety, further fueling and complicating the existing opioid epidemic.
Brorphine is considered a recreational drug and an alternative to fentanyl by users. Although data is limited, officials say brorphine overdoses should respond to normal naloxone dosing, or the overdose reversal drug.
Additionally, patients suspected of using heroin, fentanyl or other opioid drugs who show signs of symptoms, like sedation, respiratory depression and other related symptoms should be reported to the local poison center for assistance with treatment.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Service encourages those who use opioids to obtain naloxone (Narcan®) in Michigan at no cost by visiting https://nextdistro.org/michigan.
Any questions or concerns about substance use, drug safety or any other poison related issues can be answered by calling the Michigan Poison Center at 800-222-1222.
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