• Drug Information and Alerts Aotearoa New Zealand (DIANZ) warns about vapes containing dangerous ‘space oil’.
• Etomidate vapes can cause ataxia, sedation, and hypoventilation, especially when mixed with depressants.
• DIANZ advises reporting unusual effects and contacting the National Poisons Centre for advice.

An alert has gone out about vapes containing dangerous ‘space oil’ being found in New Zealand.

Drug Information and Alerts Aotearoa New Zealand (DIANZ) issued the alert, saying in recent months vapes containing etomidate have been identified in New Zealand, including at drug checking clinics.

The vape liquid is also known as ‘space oil’ or ‘kpods’.

“While it’s advertised to contain etomidate (or eto), there is no set formula for what’s included and it has been identified internationally as containing other substances, including ketamine and cannabis,” said DIANZ, comprising the New Zealand Drug Foundation, other health professionals and social services.

Etomidate is a fast-acting medication used to start and maintain anesthesia during short medical procedures and may result in the rapid development of effects like loss of co-ordination or muscle control (ataxia), sedation, and hypoventilation.

The effects can be increased when combined with other depressant drugs like alcohol, benzodiazepines, ketamine, or opioids. Mixing them can lead to nausea, breathing problems, choking, loss of consciousness, and even death.

DIANZ said if anyone has unexpected or concerning effects from etomidate vapes, or any substance, go to the confidential site ‘Report unusual effects’.

The National Poisons Centre is also available 24/7 to help the public and healthcare professionals with clinical advice for exposures to this, or any other substance - call 0800 764 766 (0800 POISON).

“While we’ve only seen a few examples of etomidate vapes here in New Zealand, it’s possible this will increase. Make sure you understand the risks and how to keep yourself safer,” DIANZ said.