Xylazine, used as a sedative and analgesic in veterinary medicine, has been licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1972 for use only in animals
The United States has declared xylazine, known by the brand name tranq in the drug world, an “emerging threat” to free up resources to deal with it as it becomes a new scourge on the country.
It is the first time in the history of our country that a substance is characterized as an imminent threat”, stated during a press conference Dr. Raul Gupta, director of the White House’s counter-narcotics agency.
Xylazine, used as a sedative and analgesic in veterinary medicine, has been licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1972 for use only in animals.
In humans, its consumption can slow breathing and heart rate to dangerous levels and cause skin infections that can lead to amputations.
During 2020-2021, the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) found a 200% increase in xylazine use in the southern US and a 100% increase in the West.
Raul Gupta explains that the “emerging threat” designation will allow for resources that President Joe Biden has requested from Congress in the 2024 budget.
“We need the support of Congress,” he said, “to be able to redirect money that has been dedicated to other causes. It’s not a problem about Democratic or Republican states, it’s America’s problem.”
The government is obliged to present in the next three months to Congress an action plan in various areas.
Among them, more tests to detect the drug and analyzes to understand where it comes from – from the US itself or from China – in order to more effectively deal with its growing presence on the illegal market.
Medical research is also a priority.
According to Dr. Gupta, there is also a need for an antidote that does not exist to date.
Naloxone, an antidote that allows resuscitation in the event of an opiate overdose (such as fentanyl), has no effect on xylazine.
Fentanyl and xylazine, both synthetic substances, are often found in combination in the same product, according to the DEA.
In February, US health authorities issued an import alert to more effectively control xylazine imports to ensure the substance is limited to veterinary use.
Source :Skai
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