A drugs charity is warning of the dangers of dealers mixing heroin with prescription painkillers following a number of deaths across the UK.

The warning by drugs charity Addaction North Somerset follows a number of drug related deaths where post mortem examinations have suggested some supplies of heroin have been mixed with prescription drugs fentanyl or carfentanyl.

It is believed some dealers are adding fentanyls to heroin supplies to produce a more potent product more cheaply.

Traces of fentanyl was found in drugs recovered during police raids and where users have overdosed and died.

Hypodermic needle
Hypodermic needle

Both these drugs are far more potent than heroin and so the risks of overdose and death are greater even when taking a very small amount.

"My blood ran cold" - mother of four-year-old girl who stood on used needle at side of Bristol and Bath cycle path in Easton

Fentanyl is around 100 times more potent than morphine, while carfentanyl is 4,000-10,000 times more potent.

Because fentanyls tend to be quick acting and many times stronger than heroin, this dramatically increases the risk of overdose.

Addaction North Somerset service manager Gill Flanagan said: “Whilst we’ve not seen any deaths linked to fentanyls in North Somerset, if you or someone you know is using heroin, you should be aware of the increased risks of overdose if the heroin has been cut with these drugs.

“Unfortunately, people may not even realise the product they’ve bought contains fentanyls.

“We want people to be extra cautious, never use alone and ideally come and seek support for their dependency.

“We would also encourage people to come to Addaction for Naloxone training and take home kits, which can help save lives in this situation.”

Children removed from Withywood home after police raid reveals cocaine hidden inside nappies

What are fentanyl and carfentanyl?

Fentanyl and carfentanyl are part of a group of drugs known as fentanyls. They are synthetic opioids, which are lab-made drugs that mimic the effects of natural opioids (such as opium or heroin). Some fentanyls are controlled drugs which can be supplied legally on prescription for pain. Fentanyl is about 100 times more potent than morphine, while carfentanyl is 4,000-10,000 times more potent.

What are the risks when heroin is mixed with fentanyls?

Fentanyls are often sold illicitly. If they have been mixed with other substances, many people may not realise that the product they have acquired even contains them.

Fentanyls are opioids, so they have many of the same side effects as heroin, including sedation and respiratory depression. As they are usually very quick acting and very strong, the risk of overdose is much higher - even very small amounts could be fatal for someone who is already using heroin.

The risks are increased even further if:

- Mixing with other substances (including alcohol)

- Using larger amounts

- Taking by injection

- Taking alone as there is less chance of someone being around to get help quickly.

If someone overdoses they will need medical attention much more quickly. They may need to be given naloxone, a common antidote to heroin overdose, in larger amounts. The overdose is more likely to be fatal because the overall drug intake will be so much stronger.

Advice for people at risk of using heroin cut with fentanyls

We encourage people at risk to:

- Be extra cautious about where they get their drugs from and what they are taking

- Take extra care if starting a new supply, and consider using smaller doses

- Avoid using alongside other drugs, including alcohol

- Avoid using alone and ensure you have Naloxone – which blocks the effects of opioids - if possible

- Know the signs of overdose – they include loss of consciousness, shallow or absent breathing, ‘snoring’ and/or blue lips or fingertips – and be prepared to call 999 immediately if you think someone has overdosed

- Consider seeking treatment for dependency from Addaction