CDC Reports Rapid Increase in Overdose Deaths Caused by Xylazine-Laced Fentanyl

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a significant increase in overdose deaths caused by illegally-manufactured fentanyl mixed with xylazine. According to new data released by the CDC on Thursday, there has been a 276 percent rise in the monthly percentage of overdose deaths from fentanyl combined with xylazine between January 2019 and June 2022, increasing from 2.9 percent to 10.9 percent.

Within the last 18 months, covering 31 states and the District of Columbia, the CDC found that xylazine was detected in 9 percent of fatal overdoses involving illicit fentanyl from January 2021 through June 2022. However, researchers have highlighted that the increase in the detection of xylazine among fentanyl overdoses could be due to both increased testing and a true increase in its presence in the drug supply.

Among the states, Maryland had the highest rate of fentanyl deaths involving xylazine at 27.7 percent, followed by Connecticut at 26.4 percent and Pennsylvania at 23.3 percent. However, due to inconsistent testing, the CDC believes that the actual detection rate may be underestimated.

Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” is a readily available veterinary drug used as a sedative and pain reliever for animals. However, it is being used by drug dealers as a cheap additive in drugs like fentanyl, potentially to prolong a user’s high. It is important to note that while veterinarians can safely use xylazine on large animals, it is not safe for human consumption and can cause serious and life-threatening side effects.

Although the exact reasons are unclear, the use of tranq has been associated with the development of ulcers on various parts of the body, which can sometimes lead to the loss of fingers or limbs. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy has designated fentanyl adulterated with xylazine as an emerging threat as of April 2023.

Because xylazine is still relatively new, medical examiners and coroners may differ in recognizing its role in increasing the risk of fatal overdose, and they may not always list it on death certificates due to lack of familiarity.

Xylazine is not an opioid, so the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone does not work on it. Therefore, the detection of xylazine does not necessarily correspond to higher rates of naloxone administration. However, researchers emphasize that naloxone should still be administered in cases of suspected overdose as it effectively reverses the effects of fentanyl.

According to the CDC, the demographics, overdose circumstances, and use of other drugs were largely similar for fentanyl overdoses with or without xylazine detected.

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