MMWR Vol. 65 / Early Release

MMWR Early Release Vol. 65, Early Release April 26, 2016

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Counterfeit Norco Poisoning Outbreak — San Francisco Bay Area, California, March 25–April 5, 2016 
Kathy T. Vo, MD; Xander M.R. van Wijk, PhD; Kara L. Lynch, PhD; et al.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;65:(Early Release)

Seven cases of drug intoxication were reported during March 25–April 5, 2016, 
in the San Francisco Bay Area in persons who ingested tablets of counterfeit 
Norco, a prescription opioid pain medication that contains acetaminophen and 
hydrocodone. The seven had symptoms of nausea, vomiting, central nervous 
system depression, and respiratory depression. All recovered without clinical 
sequelae within 24 hours. The tablets were found to contain fentanyl and other 
drugs, including promethazine, which had not been reported in previous counterfeit 
episodes and which is thought to potentiate the “high” from opioids.