A dodgy batch of drugs spiked with heroin has resulted in one death and multiple hospitalisations.

Victoria’s Department of Health on Wednesday confirmed four seperate incidents of heroin overdose linked to the drugs.

It’s understood the patients believed they were taking cocaine and methamphetamine but unexpectedly ingested the opioid.

‘Specialised blood tests showed evidence of heroin as well as cocaine and methamphetamine, suggesting that heroin may have been mixed into these drugs,’ the department said in a statement. 

Opioids, like heroin, act as central nervous system depressants and can trigger several symptoms, including pain relief, sedation and slowed breathing.

Cocaine and methamphetamine act as stimulants.

‘Small amounts of opioids can cause life-threatening overdose, especially in people who have never used opioids or only use them occasionally,’ the department said. 

Mixing depressants, like alcohol, with heroin increases the risk of overdose.

One person has died and several others hospitalised after heroin was mixed with cocaine and methamphetamine

Illicit drug users were advised to pick up free naloxone at participating pharmacies, health services and at naloxone dispensing machines (above)

Signs of an opioid overdose include dangerously slow breathing and reduced consciousness.

Victorians using illicit substances have been advised to pick up free naloxone, a drug that can reverse opioid overdose, at participating pharmacies, health services and at naloxone dispensing machines.

It is unclear where the four incident occurred in Victoria.