The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is warning Michigan residents about medetomidine, which is a new drug that has been identified in overdose deaths across the state.
MDHHS says medetomidine, which is not approved for use in people, is a veterinary tranquilizer similar to xylazine that can cause adverse effects, including slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, and decreases in brain and spinal cord activity.
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Data provided by the Swift Toxicology of Opioid-Related Mortalities (STORM) project at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine said there have been three overdose deaths identified by medetomidine during postmortem toxicology testing since March.
The deaths occurred in Ingham, Berrien, and Wayne counties. Additionally to medetomidine, testing also identified fentanyl and other potent manufactured drugs.
MDHHS is particularly concerned about this drug for the following reasons:
- Medetomidine can cause central nervous system depression and death
- Like xylazine, medetomidine is not reversed by medications such as naloxone or Narcan
- Unlike xylazine, testing strips are not yet available to detect this particular drug
MDHHS is urging local substance use disorder organizations, health care providers, and harm reduction agencies to take the following actions:
- Raise awareness and promote harm reduction practices – medetomidine, like xylazine, may be increasingly found in the illicit drug supply
- Layer harm reduction strategies to lessen the risk of overdose: take it slow, use less, carry naloxone, do not use alone, monitor breathing, etc
- As with xylazine, give rescue breaths in case of respiratory depression
- “To give rescue breaths to adults, make sure the person’s airway is clear; place one hand on the person’s chin, tilt the head back, and pinch the nose closed. Place your mouth over the person’s mouth to make a seal and give two slow breaths. Watch for the person’s chest (but not the stomach) to rise and follow up with one breath every 5 seconds”
- Distribute naloxone, fentanyl, and xylazine test strips – Organizations can request free naloxone from MDHHS to increase capacity. Connect individuals with more ways to access naloxone: order online at nextdistro.org/Michigan and have it delivered at no cost; get it at a pharmacy (Naloxone Standing Order, no prescription required); or contact a Syringe Service Program for naloxone, fentanyl, and xylazine test strips, sterile needles, testing for HIV and Hepatitis C and other life-saving resources
- Explore the Substance Use Vulnerability Index on the MDHHS dashboard to start conversations around gaps and barriers that may exist in your community