An article published in CMAJ ( Canadian Medical Association Journal ) describes five things clinicians and harm reduction workers should know about xylazine, a veterinary medication adulterating the illicit opioid supply https://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.231603 .
There is no antidote to the effects of xylazine, and the authors explain that xylazine contamination should be suspected when naloxone appears not to work effectively in people with opioid toxicity.
Highlights:
"Xylazine is not part of routine urine drug screens, and there are no approved treatments or reversal agents beyond supportive care," writes Dr. Peter Wu, an internist at University Health Network and the University of Toronto with Dr. Emily Austin of the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Ontario.
"Specialized addictions care remains critical to addressing the underlying substance use disorder."
Canadian Medical Association Journal
People
Xylazine in the illicit opioid supply
5-Feb-2024