Health departments across the Midwest are warning about the emergence of a new deadly animal tranquilizer 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 it approved the drug in 2022.
The Detroit Free Press reported that the drug is usually cut into fentanyl, which is then cut into what passes as heroin. However, this drug cannot be reversed by naloxone or Narcan, which has been used to reverse overdoses of other medications.
The drug causes a decrease in an animal's heart rate, increasing the chance of developing an irregular heartbeat, the FDA said.
According to The Detroit NewsSince March, there have been three overdose deaths in Michigan linked to the drug in toxicology scans. Other drugs such as fentanyl were also found on the scans.
Medetomidine is more powerful and “we want to make sure Michigan residents are aware of this new and dangerous drug that is prevalent in overdose deaths in our state,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdararian, Michigan's chief medical officer, said in a statement. .
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has urged local organizations and healthcare providers to raise awareness and distribute drug testing strips.
The Indiana Department of Health is also warning about the drug, noting that it has also been mixed with heroin.
According to Wan 15As of May 2024, no toxicology reports or the Indiana Prescription Drug Monitoring Program have detected the drug.
The outlet reported that it has been linked to an outbreak of overdoses and other adverse outcomes in Philadelphia, Pittsburg and Chicago, according to the Indiana Department of Health.
Wane 15 is an affiliate station owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.
