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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Chris McGreal

Animal tranquiliser added to opioids causing ‘steep increase’ in deaths

Vial and pills of fentanyl. Xylazine can increase the potential for fatal overdoses as the drug further suppresses breathing on top of the effect on respiration caused by opioids.
Vial and pills of fentanyl. Xylazine can increase the potential for fatal overdoses as the drug further suppresses breathing on top of the effect on respiration caused by opioids. Photograph: Joaquin Corbalan pastor/Alamy

Medical researchers have called for greater education about the rise of an animal tranquiliser, xylazine, in the US’s illicit opioid supply that is not only contributing to deaths but causing severe ulcers and open wounds requiring amputation.

The authors of a new study in the Annals of Internal Medicine have warned of insufficient awareness about the drug now widely found mixed in with heroin and the even more deadly opioid fentanyl, which has driven up overdoses to record levels in recent years.

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