Xylazine is an animal sedative not approved for use in humans.
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Saskatoon police are warning the public about a strain of fentanyl circulating in the city that’s resistant to the opioid overdose antidote naloxone.
A police media release said the fentanyl is believed to be cut with xylazine, which is a sedative used for animals such as horses and cattle. Its appearance is similar to strains of fentanyl, according to police.
Earlier this week, Prairie Harm Reduction issued an alert on social media about a red-granular fentanyl that tested positive on a fentanyl test strip and on a xylazine test strip. In the post, PHR said it’s the highest concentration of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues it’s tested.
According to Health Canada, xylazine is used in veterinary medicine and isn’t approved for human use. It can cause depressant effects to the central nervous system, such as sedation and muscle relaxation. Since 2019, it has been increasingly observed in samples submitted by Canadian law enforcement agencies.
Xylazine is also known as “tranq” or “tranq dope.”
Police reminded the public about the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which provides some legal protections for people who experience or witness an overdose and seek emergency help.
Police say symptoms of an opioid overdose can include slow or no breathing, gasping, gurgling or snoring, clammy and cool skin, blue lips or nails and difficulty waking up or staying awake.
As of Dec. 4, Saskatchewan has had 261 confirmed drug toxicity deaths and 176 suspected drug toxicity deaths in 2023, according to data from the Saskatchewan Coroners Service.