In December 2019, we have iWe identified a particularly harmful composition in a sample submitted as alprazolam. Instead of the expected benzodiazepine (alprazolam), we found the new synthetic opioid U-47700 identified.

U-47700 ("Pinky") is a substance from the opioid group, which is sold as a research chemical. As there is only a short history of use and U-47700 is largely unexplored, no reliable statements can be made about risks and long-term effects. It is thought to have similar effects to other opioids, including analgesia, euphoria, sedation and constipation. Animal studies have shown that morphine is 7.5 times more effective[1]. In connection with an overdose or mixed consumption with e.g. fentanyl, the following have already been reported Deaths reported. In the recent past, benzodiazepine tablets (especially XANAX®) have frequently appeared on the black market that did not contain the expected alprazolam, but various substances from the groups of new synthetic opioids or new benzodiazepines[2]^[3].

We strongly advise against the use of untested benzodiazepines that have not been prescribed by a doctor!

The information on the sample is summarised under the following link: U-47700 in alprazolam tablet

Further information on synthetic opioids can be found at: https://checkit.wien/substanzen/synthetische-opioide/

Sources:

[1] Nikolaou, P., Katselou, M., Papoutsis, I., Spiliopoulou, C., & Athanaselis, S. (2017). U-47700. an old opioid becomes a recent danger. Forensic Toxicology, 35(1), 11-19.

[2] European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (2018), Fentanils and synthetic cannabinoids: driving greater complexity into the drug situation. An update from the EU Early Warning System (June 2018), Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

[3] Chapman, B. P., Lai, J. T., Krotulski, A. J., Fogarty, M. F., Griswold, M. K., Logan, B. K., & Babu, K. M. (2019). A Case of Unintentional Opioid (U-47700) Overdose in a Young Adult After Counterfeit Xanax Use. Pediatric emergency care.