Poppers

New rules have gone into effect from Saturday 1 February for anyone seeking to purchase or use alkyl nitrites, commonly known as ‘amyl’ or ‘poppers’.

There has been a lot of media summarising what’s happened since the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) community consultations and subsequent decision last year. Still, many in the community are unclear about what’s actually going to change.

Here are just a handful of the questions being asked:

• Will I still be able to buy it at sex shops?

Some shops may continue to stock/sell it – in light of the recent changes regarding the sale of amyl, you may see stores stop selling amyl or poppers altogether.

There are a bunch of alkyl nitrites, how do I know which one I am buying?

Unless you get it from a pharmacy, you don’t know.

Some brands will list contents on the label, but this is unregulated.

Last year, the TGA investigated the active ingredients in several brands of poppers available in Australia. While it’s common to call these products ‘amyl’, most of the products tested by the TGA were found to contain isobutyl nitrite rather that amyl nitrite. Going forward isobutyl nitrite will only be available with a prescription, whereas amyl nitrite could be available over the counter at a pharmacy without a prescription – more on that later though.

• I’ve heard some poppers are bad for your eyes, which ones are considered harmful?

There is some evidence to suggest that isopropyl nitrite and N-propyl nitrite poses a risk to your eyes . As a result, these two alkyl nitrites are now prohibited in Australia.

• Can I buy it at a pharmacy?

No, not yet.

The TGA has found amyl nitrite safe enough to allow for it to be purchased from a pharmacist without a prescription. However, it is only available for therapeutic use and must be packaged in containers with child safe caps. Keep in mind – ‘therapeutic use’ can include for use during sex.

Several other alkyl nitrites (including isobutyl nitrite – the one commonly found in poppers in Australia) will only be able to be purchased with a prescription and again must be packaged in containers with child safe caps.

But here’s the catch, there are currently no alkyl nitrites products currently approved for sale in Australia. This won’t change until a manufacturer applies to have their product approved for sale by the TGA. This process is both lengthy and expensive and so far, no manufacturer has stepped up to the plate.

• How do I get a prescription?

You’ll need to see a doctor, but you’re probably going to need to find one who is gay friendly. Without a TGA approved product available, you may find it difficult to find a doctor willing to provide a prescription at this stage.

• Can I buy it online?

There are products available online, but many of the same issues above will apply. Very few products will list the ingredients, and those that do won’t be approved for therapeutic use. Those that don’t, come with the risk of you not knowing what you’re using. If you buy the product overseas, it’s very likely to be held up in customs.

• Will I be arrested for having amyl or poppers on me?

While being charged with possession of amyl or poppers is incredibly rare, it has happened.

Now since Amyl Nitrite is approved for purchase without a prescription, if you reasonably believe what you have is amyl, you haven’t broken the law.

• If I buy it overseas, will I have any issues at customs?

If you’re bringing it on a flight yourself, alkyl nitrites are restricted on commercial flights since they’re a highly flammable liquid.

That aside, alkyl nitrites being brought into the country are subject to many of the same restrictions mentioned above.

If you’re buying it online from overseas and if you have a prescription, a retailer should include a copy of your prescription for the alkyl nitrites to prove it is for therapeutic use.

• What if the bottle says ‘do not inhale’? Do I drink it? Where can I get information on using Amyl or Poppers safely?

Never drink amyl or poppers. Thankfully there are some great resources out there. You can find some great information on safe use at a number of websites, including:

Touchbase

Dancewize

How Hard

ow Hard

Poppers are toxic so do not swallow them. Avoid contact with the skin as poppers will burn it. If contact does occur wash immediately with water and seek medical attention if it gets into your eyes.

Poppers are also highly flammable. Do not use them around an open flame/fire + finish your cigarette before you use Poppers.

Poppers lower blood pressure, and can cause complications. If you have low or high blood pressure or a heart condition, speak to your GP prior to using Poppers to make sure they are safe for you.

Some Poppers can also increase the levels of fluid in the eyes, causing a greater pressure in the eye.  This can be dangerous for people who have, or are at risk of, the eye disorder glaucoma. If you have glaucoma, speak to your GP prior to using Poppers to make sure they are safe for you.

One kind of poppers called isoPROPYL nitrites have been classified as dangerous and they will not be available. These are the ones that we think might cause eye damage, which you may have seen reported in the media. Some poppers may be labelled simply as ‘alkyl nitrites’ but actually contain the banned isoPROPYL nitrite – so caution should be used when buying a product.

Some aerosol can products have been available in some online shops under common poppers brand names. These contain ethyl chloride, which is basically like huffing paint – and can be very dangerous leading to brain damage or death. These are not poppers and should be avoided.

• There is limited credible research on the effects of the use of Poppers over a long period of time.
• If you suffer from low or high blood pressure, heart conditions or glaucoma stay away from poppers to avoid complications.

Poppers +  Erectile dysfunction drugs should never be used together as they both lower blood pressure and have been know to cause heart attacks.

Poppers + Stimulants ecstasy, speed, cocaine or meth all put strain on the heart, taking them with poppers stresses it even more.

HIV treatment and Poppers are not known to have a negative interaction when mixed

• Sit or lie the person down to prevent falling
• In case of negative reaction to poppers dial 000  paramedics are not obliged to involve the police.
• Reassure the person that the feeling will pass

If you need help on dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, please contact DrugInfo at 1 300 85 85 84 or visit www.druginfo.adf.org.au

If you’re experiencing negative side effects from your Poppers use you can access Thorne Harbour Health’s counselling services   

For LGBTI drug information check out Touchbase

If you’re in crisis contact Switchboard  or Lifeline