UVA Health toxicologist warns of veterinary sedative found in illegal drugs across the country
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WRIC) -- A non-opioid animal sedative, Medetomidine, used by veterinarians is posing serious health risks while making its way into other illegal drugs across the country. Reports show that the medication has been found in heroin and cocaine but it's those using fentanyl who are most at risk of encountering this medication. If someone ingests Medetomidine, it can slow down your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. “We have seen that a lot of veterinary medicines have leaked their way into the drug trade as adulterants because they are cheap and they're accessible," said Dr. Avery Michienzi, UVA Health's Blue Ridge Poison Center Assistant Director. Cases are popping up in major hotspots like Chicago, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Medetomidine does not show up on routine drug tests which gives Michienzi another reason to believe this medication has already made its way to Virginia. "Right now, we do not have, [as far] I know or have seen, any confirmed cases locally in Charlottesville or the Blue Ridge Poison Center area or even in Virginia. However, I would venture to say that it probably is present and we just don't know about it," Michienzi said. The sedative is believed to be stronger than Xylazine, another veterinary sedative. Michienzi said this knowledge helps them understand the potential effects on patients and discuss harm reduction strategies. "So that they can be informed as well and know exactly what's present and the things that they might or might not be taking," Michienzi said. The Blue Ridge Poison Center has a 24/7 hotline for help with suspected poisonings at 1-800-222-1222.
VENN
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WRIC) -- A non-opioid animal sedative, Medetomidine, used by veterinarians is posing serious health risks while making its way into other illegal drugs across the country.
Reports show that the medication has been found in heroin and cocaine but it's those using fentanyl who are most at risk of encountering this medication. If someone ingests Medetomidine, it can slow down your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.
“We have seen that a lot of veterinary medicines have leaked their way into the drug trade as adulterants because they are cheap and they're accessible," said Dr. Avery Michienzi, UVA Health's Blue Ridge Poison Center Assistant Director.
Cases are popping up in major hotspots like Chicago, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Medetomidine does not show up on routine drug tests which gives Michienzi another reason to believe this medication has already made its way to Virginia.
"Right now, we do not have, [as far] I know or have seen, any confirmed cases locally in Charlottesville or the Blue Ridge Poison Center area or even in Virginia. However, I would venture to say that it probably is present and we just don't know about it," Michienzi said.
The sedative is believed to be stronger than Xylazine, another veterinary sedative.
Michienzi said this knowledge helps them understand the potential effects on patients and discuss harm reduction strategies.
"So that they can be informed as well and know exactly what's present and the things that they might or might not be taking," Michienzi said.
The Blue Ridge Poison Center has a 24/7 hotline for help with suspected poisonings at 1-800-222-1222.
