The Victorian Pill Testing Service has detected heroin in a sample expected to contain ketamine.

There were no other compounds detected in the sample.

Using heroin when you are expecting ketamine could lead to life threatening overdose, especially in people who have never or rarely used opioids.

Risks of overdose are significantly increased when mixed with other depressants like alcohol, benzos, ketamine or GHB.

Signs of heroin overdose

• Slow, shallow or stopped breathing
• Snoring, choking or gurgling sounds
• Unresponsive or hard to wake
• Blue or grey lips and fingernails
• Pale, cold or clammy skin
• Slow or irregular pulse

Heroin overdose response

• Call triple zero ‘000’
• Give naloxone
• Rescue breaths if not breathing
• Place in recovery position
• Give more naloxone if no response
• Stay until help arrives

Harm Reduction Tips

Carry naloxone.
Even if you don’t plan to take an opioid.
Naloxone temporarily reverses opioid overdose and is legal and widely available.

Avoid using alone.
Use with people you trust who can help if something goes wrong.

Start low and go slow.
Start with a small amount, avoid re-dosing until you know what to expect.

Call triple zero ‘000’ immediately.
If you or someone else experiences unusual or unexpected effects.

It’s best to test!