Interior Health has issued a warning for drugs contaminated with combination of dangerous drugs including fentanyl and a veterinary tranquilizer. 

The drugs are described as a purple substance reportedly being sold as "down" in Penticton. 

In addition to fentanyl, which has been the most common contaminant in recent years of alerts, the drugs reportedly have been tested to contain bromazolam, a benzodiazipene. 

Benzos, as they are referred to colloquially, are not counteracted by naloxone when a drug user is suffering an overdose. 

Medetomidine, when combined with fentanyl, increases the sedation effect and also decreases blood pressure, breathing and heart rates to dangerous levels. 

Also like bromazolam, medetomidine is not an opioid and is thus unaffected by naloxone. While naloxone can reverse the effects of a fentanyl overdose, it may not relieve any effects from other drugs. 

To reduce the risk of overdose, Interior Health has in the past made the following suggestions:

* Get the drugs checked before use, which can be done by calling Substance Use Services at 310-MHSU, Penticton Drug Checking at 236-422-1601, and at locations listed at www.drugchecking.ca

* Avoid using different drugs at the same time or using drugs and alcohol together

* Don't use alone or ask someone to check on you

* Start with a small amount and work up

* Use at an overdose prevention site

* If you must use while alone, consider using the Lifeguard app, which can connect you with 911 emergency responders if you overdose.