Illicit vape pods containing an anaesthetic drug have been linked to a growing number of acute drug harm cases nationwide, prompting a warning from drug watchdog High Alert.
Etomidate, a fast-acting sedative used in medical procedures, has been detected in vape products sold under names like space oil, k-pods, space vapes, or eto.
The substance was first identified by drug checking services in January and has since been seized at the border by New Zealand Customs, with increasing numbers turning up at clinics nationwide.
“These increased detections indicate the potential for a rapid spread of this substance,” High Alert said in a public advisory.
Etomidate vapes have been found to contain other harmful chemicals, including GBL, pregabalin, and traces of ketamine.
“The misrepresentation or adulteration of etomidate vapes with other substances can result in unexpected and unwanted effects,” High Alert warned.
“The risk of harm increases if people are not expecting these substances to be in the vape they are consuming.”
Reported effects included seizures, sedation, breathing difficulties, and dangerously low blood sugar. A small number of hospitalisations have occurred and more cases were being monitored.
Etomidate was typically sold in liquid form inside refillable vape pods, which are legal and widely available.
Drug checking services said it could be difficult to detect etomidate in these devices but that testing was still recommended.
Effects of etomidate could include involuntary muscle jerking or twitching, loss of coordination, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion breathing difficulties, or hyperventilation, low blood pressure, a slow heart rate, nausea or vomiting, and loss of consciousness.
