State Agencies Issue Alert On Growing Nitazene Threat

Several Missouri state agencies — including the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Department of Public Safety, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and Department of Mental Health — are warning the public about the increasing presence of nitazenes, an extremely potent class of synthetic opioids now being found across the state.

Some nitazenes are five to 10 times stronger than fentanyl and are appearing in counterfeit pills, illicit powders, unregulated cannabis products and vape liquids, often without users realizing it.

DHSS issued a health advisory urging increased awareness, prevention efforts and expanded access to naloxone. DHSS Director Sarah Willson emphasized the importance of having access to naloxone and knowing how to use it. Naloxone is safe, easy to administer and can reverse opioid overdoses.