The Victorian Department of Health has issued an urgent alert after a “potent sedative” was found in a vape sold in Melbourne.
Etomidate is a type of fast-acting anaesthetic used in the execution of people by lethal injection in the U.S. state of Florida.
The drug can cause “rapid onset deep sedation... vomiting, loss of consciousness and dangerously slow or ineffective breathing,” the health department said.
These effects “may be life-threatening,” especially if etomidate is used with alcohol and other substances.
Context
Etomidate is commonly used in hospitals to put patients under briefly for procedures like re-setting broken bones and dislocations. It works in seconds and wears off quickly.
It’s also the first drug in Florida’s three-drug lethal injection protocol, adopted in 2017. Etomidate renders a person unconscious before two further drugs stop their breathing and heart.
Etomidate’s manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson, publicly opposes its use in executions.
Health dept
Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.
I want to give $10 monthly to help TDA keep doing the news.
Your details:
Victoria’s Health Department issued an alert this week after it found etomidate in a vape sold in Melbourne.
The warning says users should be aware vapes sold as “space oil, k-pods or space vapes” may contain etomidate.
The department also noted these vapes may contain other harmful substances, including potent opioids.
Etomidate has been found in vape products around the world.
Officials in Singapore examined more than 100 seized vapes in 2025, finding around one in three contained etomidate.
New Zealand health authorities issued a warning last year after etomidate-laced vapes were linked to several hospitalisations.
The Victorian Government is urging users to “know the signs of serious sedative toxicity” and call 000 for help.
The main signs of sedative toxicity are reduced consciousness and difficulty breathing.
