The use of this sedative for animals is misused as a drug and its consumption can cause serious infections up to amputation.
The United States announced Wednesday to designate xylazine, nicknamed “tranq”, as an “emerging threat”, in particular in order to be able to release funds to fight against this drug which is already wreaking havoc in the country.
“This is the first time in our nation’s history that a substance has been designated as an emerging threat,” said at a press conference Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of the White House Drug Enforcement Office.
Xylazine, authorized as a sedative and veterinary analgesic since 1972 by the United States Drug Administration (FDA)is not approved outside of animal use.
In humans, its consumption can slow breathing and heart rate to dangerous levels, and cause infections that can lead to limb amputations.
A sedative for animals with dangerous effects for humans
Between 2020 and 2021, the detection of xylazine by the American anti-drug agency (DEA) increased by almost 200% in the south of the country, and more than 100% in the West. The Emerging Threat designation is intended to use funds requested by President Joe Biden from the US Congress in his 2024 budget, Dr. Rahul Gupta explained.
“We need the support of Congress,” he pleaded, so as not to have to redirect money dedicated to other causes. “It is not a problem concerning the States” democrats or republicans, “it is the problem of America”, he hammered.
The government is required, within three months of designation, to present an action plan to Congress, which will address several areas. Among them: more tests to detect the drug and analyzes to better understand where it comes from – in particular if it is diverted in the United States or from China -, in order to better fight against its growing presence on the illegal market. .
“We need an antidote”
Another priority is medical research. “We will bring together national experts in the field to guide practice, and identify the most promising approaches for clinical stabilization, withdrawal management, and treatment protocols,” detailed Rahul Gupta.
Moreover, “we need an antidote”, which does not exist to date, he added.
Naloxone, an antidote that can resuscitate a person in the process of overdosing on an opioid (eg fentanyl), is not effective against xylazine. Fentanyl and xylazine, both synthetic, are often found together in the same product, according to the DEA.
In February, US health authorities had launched an “import alert” in order to better control deliveries of xylazine, to ensure that they are actually intended for veterinary use.
