Warning over high-strength pills following "multiple" hospitalisations across London

Warnings have been issued over several batches of high-strength ecstasy pills, following reports of "multiple" hospitalisations across London last weekend.

Harm reduction charity The Loop issued a warning on Friday (October 18) concerning test results from several pills across the weekend of October 11-13, with varying strengths of between 90mg and 290mg of MDMA.

The charity included images of three pills — which feature a pink Timberland logo, a purple Louis Vuitton and a purple "pop" press — which contained between 181mg and 290mg each.

The Loop added that 1 in 4 ecstasy pills that it tested contained over 200mg, twice the adult dose of MDMA, warning users to be careful ahead of the weekend after "several hospitalisations last weekend."

While details on incidents of people becoming unwell from MDMA in London are not publicly known, fabric also issued a warning over high-strength MDMA pills on October 18, writing: "We are aware of several hospitalisations across multiple London venues last weekend, where people have had seizures and become very unwell."

The Farringdon nightclub, which held its 25th birthday celebrations across October 11-13, added that "while the causes of individual incidents are not clear" it speculated that it could be driven by "unusually strong pills/MDMA on the market."

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) issued a similar warning on its social media accounts, writing: "We’re hearing reports of people becoming seriously unwell after taking strong MDMA pills in London last weekend, with some requiring hospital treatment."

"If you’re going out, please stay safe and look after your friends," the NTIA added in its statement. "If you’re unsure about anything, it’s safest not to take it. Always seek help if you or someone you’re with feels unwell—venue staff are there to support you, without judgment."

The Loop has urged anyone who is considering taking ecstasy pills to be "aware of an MDMA-related emergency, to take sips of water and take regular breaks when dancing."

"Seek medical help if you or your friends experience any of the following: Significantly raised temperature, excessive sweating muscle rigidity, non-responsiveness or seizure."

fabric also included details of how to find its welfare team, via their glowing red armbands and welfare t-shirts — posted around the venue and within the welfare stand in the smoking area.

It also included a WhatsApp number to contact its welfare team during club nights: +4407453554961.

You can follow The Loop on both Twitter and Instagram to stay up-to-date with the latest pill warnings and other drug testing information.

Mixmag has contacted the London Ambulance Service for information regarding the reported hospitalisations.

Megan Townsend Is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter