Health departments across the Midwest are warning of the emergence of a deadly new animal tranquilizer that is linked to overdose deaths.
The drug, medetomidine, is a powerful sedative used in veterinary medicine to keep dogs sedated and comfortable during exams and medical procedures, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said when approved the drug in 2022.
The Detroit Free Press reported that the drug is most often transformed into fentanyl, which is then transformed into what is considered heroin. This medication, however, cannot be reversed by naloxone, or by Narcan, which has been used to reverse overdoses of other medications.
The drug causes a decrease in the animal’s heart rate, which increases the chance of developing irregular heartbeats, the FDA said.
According to Detroit news, three overdose deaths in Michigan have occurred since March and were linked to the drug in toxicology tests. Other drugs such as fentanyl were also found in the tests.
Medetomidine is more potent and “we want to ensure Michiganders are aware of this new and dangerous drug appearing in overdose deaths in our state,” Dr. Natasha Bagdararian, chief medical executive for the state of Michigan, said in a statement . .
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has urged local organizations and health care providers to raise awareness and distribute drug testing strips.
The Indiana Department of Health also warns about the drug, noting that it has also been mixed with heroin.
According to Decrease 15no toxicology reports or the Indiana Prescription Drug Monitoring Program have detected the drug as of May 2024.
The news outlet reported it is linked to an outbreak of overdoses and other adverse effects in Philadelphia, Pittsburg and Chicago, the Indiana Department of Health said.
Wane 15 is an affiliate station owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.
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