We love when our colleagues from the sector look to us for information on trends and patterns as it allows us to do some research and pass the information back to the sector.

YoDAA has recently had contact from a youth AoD service asking us if we were familiar with Uni’s (pronounced “ooni’s). They reported that it something people are injecting before or with heroin. 

Uni’s (pronounced “ooni’s) is short for Unisom, it is a brand name for an over the counter gel capsule antihistamine. The capsule is an oblong shape filled with blue liquid the liquid is extracted from the capsule and injected prior to heroin use or mixed into the shot to enhance the effects.

Risks associated with using Unisom are similar to the risks that were associated to injecting the old temazepam gel capsules. The biggest danger is when someone melts the WHOLE table, instead of taking the liquid out of the capsule. Melting the whole capsule is dangerous because the capsule is solid at body temperature and can re-solidify after it has been injected. Understanding universal harm minimisation strategies is one way to help keep people who inject drugs safe.

If you are seeking more guidance or information about Unisom Harm Reduction Victoria is a great place to start.