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Public health officials in Santa Cruz County are warning clinicians and residents who use street drugs of an increase of xylazine in local supplies, a dangerous sedative also known as “tranq.”
Xylazine is a powerful drug approved for veterinary use, but when combined with fentanyl can lead to a higher risk of overdose, according to the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency, Public Health division.
Xylazine is not safe for humans and can cause drowsiness, amnesia, serious skin wounds, as well as slow breathing, lower heart rate, and a decrease in blood pressure to dangerous levels that can lead to death.
“Xylazine is increasingly being mixed into street drugs, leading to a higher risk of overdose and serious health complications,” said Dr. Lisa Hernandez, Santa Cruz County health officer. “The safest approach is to avoid using street drugs. Stay as safe as possible: never use alone, recognize the signs of overdose, seek help, and stay informed.”
Xylazine is often mixed with opioids like fentanyl and heroin without the knowledge of those who use these drugs, the county said. Although xylazine overdose is not reversed by naloxone, the life-saving medication should still be administered to people experiencing overdose to reverse the opioid component of the overdose.
Call 911 and provide rescue breathing if needed, the county said.
If xylazine is present, the individual may still be very drowsy even after receiving naloxone. Drugs that have xylazine present are also more likely to cause infections, abscesses, or ulcers. These wounds commonly occur at injection sites, but any method of xylazine use increases the risk for serious skin wounds.
Naloxone is approved by the federal government for over-the-counter distribution at pharmacies and is available for free from many community sites.
See www.hipscc.org/naloxone for a list of naloxone distribution sites.
People who are ready to seek treatment for substance use can contact their primary care provider or call the Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health Division at (800) 952 2335.
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