A toxic drug advisory was issued by Fraser Health on Thursday (Jan. 8) after a potent sedative with effects irreversible by naloxone was detected in the unregulated opioid supply.
“Friends, family, and community members using unregulated substances may face increased harms of unknowingly taking different substances than intended,” Fraser Health said.
According to the advisory, medetomidine “continues” to be found in the supply throughout Fraser Health region, including Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Langley, and Surrey.
Fraser Health said naloxone doesn’t reverse the effects of medetomidine — a non-opioid sedative used in veterinary medicine similar to xylazine (“tranq”) but approximately 200 times more potent.
“Naloxone should always still be administered in suspected opioid poisonings. Be prepared for prolonged sedation and the need for continuous airway support and monitoring. Check for responsiveness and regular breathing before administering more naloxone,” Fraser Health said.
Per the advisory, withdrawal from medetomidine can lead to severe symptoms such as a rapid heart rate and dangerously high blood pressure.