HAMILTON COUNTY, Ind. -- Officials with the Hamilton County Coroner's Office are warning Hoosiers of an emerging drug that was discovered during a death investigation in Fishers.
According to a news release from the coroner's office, officials said Nitazene is reportedly 1,000 more potent than morphine and 60 times more potent than fentanyl. Nitazene was initially developed as a substitute for morphine in the 1950s but was never approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The office said the drug is reportedly being sold by black market internet pharmacies in foreign countries. The drug can be used in pill form, as well as in powders, nasal sprays and vape liquid.
“Nitazine is often falsely marketed as prescription medications such as Oxycodone and Adderall," Jeff Jellison, the Hamilton County coroner, said in the release. "Many overdose victims have no idea they’re ingesting this very dangerous drug.”
If a person suspects that someone is experiencing an overdose, officials said they should call 911 immediately and administer Narcan.