What is xylazine? The fatal ‘tranq dope’ drug that leaves users needing amputations

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A robust animal tranquiliser often called “tranq dope” that can depart users needing limbs lower off has “penetrated” the UK drug market.

Xylazine, also referred to as tranq, has already been linked to 11 deaths within the UK.

In most instances the drug is blended with robust opioids similar to heroin or fentanyl, however a brand new research exhibits it has additionally been present in counterfeit prescription treatment tablets, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) vapes and cocaine.

The new research, revealed within the journal Addiction, warns about unwanted side effects together with airway compromise and pores and skin ulcers which might result in limb amputation.

Researchers, led by lecturers from King’s College London, highlighted how use of the drug has turn into a significant concern within the US and this “public health threat has now expanded to the United Kingdom”.

They spotlight the loss of life of a 43-year-old man in Solihull within the West Midlands, in May 2022.

Their research examined numerous toxicology, drug testing and drug seizure sources and located 35 instances of xylazine throughout England, Scotland and Wales by the top of August final 12 months. No instances have been present in Northern Ireland.

They revealed knowledge on 16 organic samples taken from toxicology labs, the place the drug was present in 16 folks – together with 11 individuals who had died. Some 11 of those samples have been from summer season final 12 months.

Senior writer Dr Caroline Copeland, from King’s College London, stated: “We now know that xylazine has penetrated the UK’s illicit drug market.

“This is cause for alarm as a much wider population of people who use drugs beyond heroin users will be exposed to its harms.

“We also know that most people who buy heroin will not intend to buy xylazine and this combination increases the risk of overdose. Xylazine was designated an ‘emerging threat’ to the United States and this public health threat is a growing concern for the UK.

“There are three simple measures the UK can introduce to prevent the epidemic of xylazine use that has emerged in the USA. Cheap xylazine test strips should be made available, healthcare providers need to be aware of the signs that chronic skin ulcers are due to xylazine use, and pathologists and coroners should specifically request toxicology testing for xylazine in relevant cases to understand the true prevalence of the drug.”

A Government spokesperson stated: “We are aware of the threat from xylazine and are determined to protect people from the threat posed by this drug and other illicit synthetic drugs.

“We will not hesitate to act to keep the public safe. Following advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), we intend to make xylazine a Class C drug meaning anyone supplying this substance will face up to 14 years in prison, a fine or both.”