London, UK – People in the UK consuming cannabis vapes and counterfeit sedatives to relieve pain, anxiety, and insomnia are at risk of unknowingly ingesting a potent animal tranquilizer, xylazine, with serious health consequences.
A recent study from King’s College London revealed an alarming trend of xylazine being increasingly found in counterfeit prescription drugs and cannabis-containing vapes. Unlike in the US where xylazine is commonly mixed with opioids, in the UK it has been detected in tablets containing codeine, alprazolam (Xanax), and diazepam (Valium), posing a significant threat to a wider population beyond heroin users.
According to Dr. Caroline Copeland, the senior author of the study, the presence of xylazine in drugs beyond heroin significantly increases the risk of overdose and poses a growing concern for public health in the UK. The study, published in the Addiction journal, highlighted that xylazine was detected in 16 individuals, resulting in 11 deaths.
The dangerous effects of xylazine, a non-opioid sedative and muscle relaxant, include lowered heart and breathing rates, as well as the formation of large open skin ulcers if injected into the bloodstream. The co-author of the study, Dr. Adam Holland, underscored the need for expanded harm reduction interventions, such as drug checking and overdose prevention centers, to ensure the safety of individuals who use drugs.
In response to the rising threat of xylazine and other illicit synthetic drugs, the government announced plans to classify xylazine as a class C drug, imposing severe penalties on those supplying the substance. This decision comes in light of the increasing drug adulteration and related deaths, highlighting the failure of punitive drug laws in addressing the evolving drug landscape.
The emergence of xylazine follows a trend of synthetic and potent drugs, like nitazenes, contributing to a recent spike in deaths among heroin users. Dr. Copeland emphasized the importance of pathologists and coroners requesting toxicology testing for xylazine to accurately determine the prevalence of the drug and prevent an epidemic of its use.
As the UK grapples with the growing threat of xylazine and other dangerous substances in illicit drugs, there is a pressing need for comprehensive strategies that prioritize harm reduction and public safety. The collaborative efforts of healthcare professionals, policymakers, and law enforcement are crucial in combating the evolving landscape of drug adulteration and preventing further tragedies in communities across the country.