Victoria's health department has issued an urgent alert after one person died and multiple others were hospitalised following a drug mix-up. The victims believed they were using cocaine or methamphetamine, but specialised blood tests revealed heroin had likely been mixed into the substances.
Four incidents across the state
The alert, released on Wednesday, details four separate incidents across Victoria, including the fatal case. The health department warned that the effects of the contaminated drugs are "very different" from what users expected.
"Opioids are central nervous system depressants, typically producing a range of effects including pain relief, sedation and respiratory depression (dangerously slow breathing)," the health department's alert stated. "Small amounts of opioids can cause life-threatening overdose, especially in people who have never used opioids or only use them occasionally."
Stimulants versus depressants
"Cocaine and methamphetamine produce stimulant effects, whereas heroin produces sedative effects and can lead to life-threatening overdose," the alert continued. The health department urged users to recognise the signs of opioid overdose, such as slow or stopped breathing, blue lips or fingertips, and unresponsiveness.
Authorities strongly advised carrying naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone is available without a prescription at pharmacies and through some community health services in Victoria.
Public health response
The health department is working with emergency services and drug treatment centres to raise awareness. They encourage anyone who may have used these drugs to seek medical attention if they feel unwell. More information about the risks and how to respond to an overdose can be found on the Victorian health department's website.
