Several cases of drug overdose in Ireland; At least 34 people in hospitals; "Attention Warning " : Irish Public Health

In Ireland, the HSE has confirmed that at least 34 people have overdosed on heroin in Dublin city over the past two days.

Samples have been taken and will be tested on the suspected heroin batch. We are not sure what it contains at the moment, sample tests are just being done. The HSE (Irish Public Health) is asking drug users to be more vigilant.

There have been no confirmed deaths to date, but the HSE (Irish Public Health) has issued a warning to drug users, saying it means particularly strong heroin is circulating in the city.

• The HSE urged people to avoid new batches, new types of drugs or trials and to avoid buying from new suppliers as the use of heroin carries unknown risks.
• Check the dosage, start small and avoid the risk of overdose. Avoid using alone and have a rescue plan and let someone know where you are and where you are.
• The HSE also recommends testing the dose by starting "low and slow" and avoiding other drugs including methadone, benzodiazepines or alcohol.
• Access Naloxone: (Anti-dot drug) Talk to your local service or doctor about accessing Naloxone as soon as you can.

Professor Eamon Keenan, National Clinical Lead for Addiction Services, HSE, said: "We are aware of a number of overdoses in Dublin city linked to new sources of heroin.

Naloxone (the anti-dot drug) is a prescription drug that is widely accessible in Ireland and is used to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid drugs such as heroin, fentanyl and methadone.

So far this year, the HSE has distributed 3,849 units of naloxone and administered it to 1,030 people. Homeless services, medical centers, and addiction treatment facilities have drug supplies.