The Danish Health Authority has issued a warning to the public regarding counterfeit Oxycontin pills circulating in Denmark. These fake pills contain nitazenes, a potent synthetic opioid, posing a significant health risk.

Nitazenes are significantly stronger than morphine, potentially hundreds of times more potent. The consumption of these counterfeit pills can lead to severe adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, and dangerously low blood pressure.

The most critical risk associated with nitazenes is respiratory depression, which can be fatal. While no deaths in Denmark have been directly linked to the specific nitazene found in the counterfeit Oxycontin, similar substances within the nitazene family have caused fatalities in neighboring countries. One recent death in Denmark in December was attributed to a related nitazene substance.

The Danish Health Authority urges extreme caution and advises against taking any pills suspected of being counterfeit. Genuine Oxycontin obtained from a pharmacy does not pose this risk.