Health & Fitness
Counterfeit Opioids Causing Overdoses, Deaths In Illinois: KCHD
Five overdoses and two deaths in Illinois are being linked to a counterfeit opioid-related pill known as "M30," officials said.
KANE COUNTY, IL — Public health officials are warning young people in Kane County about a string of overdoses and several deaths linked to counterfeit opioid-related pills in Illinois.
The Kane County Health Department said it received reports from the Illinois Poison Center and its counterpart in Cook County about five overdoses, including two that were fatal, that were likely caused by a drug known as "M30," Percocet or oxycodone.
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Several other potential cases are being investigated, Kane County health officials said in a news release.
The counterfeit pills are small, blue, and stamped with an “M” surrounded by an imprinted box, officials said. Previous outbreaks in the U.S. have been attributed to “M30,” which contained fentanyl instead of oxycodone, the release states.
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Public health officials said they do not yet know what is causing overdoses among Illinois residents using the counterfeit pills.
Those who used them said they did not remember feeling high and blacked out shortly after taking one or two pills, the release states. Several reported labored breathing and foaming at the mouth.
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Many said they were not daily opioid users but illegally purchased the pills to improve their sleep, the release states.
The Kane County Health Department also warned first responders to be prepared for a potential spike in overdoses. Those who have taken the counterfeit opioid pills can show signs of an altered mental status, respiratory depression, hypotension, hypothermia and cardiac instability, among other symptoms, officials said.
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Residents should report potential cases of overdose from counterfeit oxycodone to the Illinois Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. More information is available by visiting the Kane County Health Department website or calling 630-208-3801.
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