FDA warns of risks from xylazine, an animal drug linked to overdoses in humans
CBSN
The Food and Drug Administration released an alert Tuesday warning health care professionals to be "cautious" of an animal medication that has entered the illegal drug supply and been identified in overdoses.
The medication, xylazine, has been FDA-approved to use as an animal sedative and pain reliever. It has no approved use for humans and can cause "serious and life-threatening side effects that appear to be similar to those commonly associated with opioid use."
In a letter to stakeholders, the FDA said that xylazine was most often found in combination with opioids like fentanyl or heroin, or occasionally alongside stimulants like methamphetamine or cocaine. The administration warned that people who are exposed to xylazine "may not be aware" that it is present in their drug supply.
