Following an alert received from Spain on 26th January 2015, Public Health England has issued an alert as a warning about the possible continued availability of pills sold as Ecstasy but containing large quantities of PMMA (paramethoxymethamphetamine), a more potent chemical linked to a number of recent deaths and hospitalisations in the UK.

Superman-branded red pills have been found to contain large quantities of PMMA (paramethoxymethamphetamine) and have been linked to four deaths in Ipswich, Rendlesham and Telford over the Christmas and New Year period.

Shelly Stanley from the Drug Advice Service & Helpline (DASH) said:

‘The alert is timely following the concerns in recent weeks over the circulation of this brand of tablet being sold as Ecstasy. Street names and logos on tablets available change frequently and we are aware of problems with various pills on the Island such as Mortal Combat, Pink Diamonds suspected of containing. In the most recent cases in the UK and Europe, Superman branded pills have contained PMMA with sadly fatal results. ’

‘Thankfully we have not come across the Superman ‘branded’ tablets yet, we are aware of people taking what they think is Ecstasy and having bad effects or being ill but there is just no way of knowing what you are buying. There are also reports that red Superman-branded pills that contain only MDMA are in circulation in the UK, but without testing users have no way to know what they are getting. It is important that anyone who, despite advice not to takes Ecstasy or is even thinking about trying what they think is Ecstasy, is aware of the potential risks they face whether on the Island, UK or abroad.’

PMMA is a class A drug and has similar effects to MDMA (the chemical normally found in Ecstasy) and therefore pills containing PMMA are often sold as Ecstasy. PMMA takes longer to take effect but can kill at lower doses than MDMA. It can cause a rapid and fatal rise in body temperature, severely raised heart rate and blood pressure.

Miss Stanley went on to say:

‘If you or someone you are with takes a tablet and then feels unwell, has heart palpitations, hallucinations that don’t go away, suicidal thoughts, or in any way concerned, it is important to go to A&E immediately. You will not get into trouble for getting someone help or seeking help.

For people taking, or thinking of taking tablets, Public Health England has the following advice:

• Taking any tablet when you don’t know what’s in it is a big risk
• If you must take something, then here are things that can be done to help reduce risk
• Take a small amount and wait for it to take effect (at least an hour)
• Don’t top-up thinking there is no effect – it may just take a while to come on
• Stay with friends for at least an hour after taking something
• Take regular breaks from the dance floor to cool down
• Sip no more than a pint of water or non-alcoholic drink every hour
• If symptoms of possible toxicity begin to develop (such as severe overheating, nausea, hallucinations), seek medical help immediately
• Anyone with a heart condition, blood pressure problems, epilepsy or asthma can have a dangerous reaction to stimulant drugs, so is best advised to avoid them.

For up to date information go to www.drugs.org.im or call the Drug Advice Service & Helpline (DASH) on 615622.