Officials: Veterinary Tranquilizer Identified In San Francisco Overdose Victims

CBS San Francisco

March 7, 2023

SAN FRANCISCO -- Public health officials revealed Thursday that xylazine, a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer, has been discovered in the bloodstreams of four fatal fentanyl overdose victims.

While xylazine has been circulating in the illicit drug supply on the East Coast for several years, health officials said it was the first time its presence has been detected in San Francisco.

"Identifying xylazine in San Francisco is concerning," health officials said in a news release. "To date, SFDPH has not received any reports of skin wounds associated with xylazine, nor xylazine intoxication or withdrawal."

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