A new and potentially deadly drug, Medetomidine or fentanyl laced with animal tranquilizer, has been identified in multiple cities across the US, including San Francisco. The potent combination of opioids and sedatives is causing a surge in overdoses and hospitalizations.
According to reports from various sources, more than 600 people were hospitalized from Medetomidine-laced fentanyl in Philadelphia within the last month alone. In San Francisco, over 600 people lost their lives due to fentanyl overdoses in 2023.
Medetomidine is a potent animal tranquilizer that has been detected in drug supplies across the US, including Chicago, Indianapolis, Toronto, and Vancouver. The sedative effects of Medetomidine can increase the risk for overdose when combined with fentanyl.
Dr. Daniel Ciccarone from UCSF expressed concern about the potential dangers of this drug combination. He noted that the sedating effects of both drugs could lead to an increased risk for overdose.
The San Francisco Medical Examiner's toxicology lab tests for more than 200 substances in every case, and Dr. Luke Rodda, the city's Chief Forensic toxicologist, mentioned detecting Xylazine and Bromazolam as well as Medetomidine in decedents of accidental overdoses.
San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey has urged the city to test for Medetomidine presence in the local drug supply. He believes that being prepared for this new threat is crucial, given the devastating impact it has had on other cities.
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