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Powerful Animal Tranquiliser 'Tranq Dope' Penetrates UK's Illegal Drug Market

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Health News

Tranq Dope,Animal Tranquiliser,Illegal Drug Market

Experts warn that a powerful animal tranquiliser known as 'tranq dope' has entered the UK's illegal drug market, raising concerns about its potential contribution to deaths. The drug, xylazine or tranq, is often mixed with opioids and has been found in counterfeit prescription medication tablets, THC vapes, and cocaine. It is notorious for causing wounds to spread and rotting of the skin, earning it the nickname 'zombie drug'. The study highlights side effects such as airway compromise and skin ulcers, which may result in limb amputation.

A powerful animal tranquiliser known as “tranq dope” has “penetrated” the UK’s illegal drug market, experts have warned.

It has become known as the "zombie drug" because wounds can spread over a person's limbs, causing their skin to rot. It has been linked to thousands of deaths in the US.The new study, published in the journal Addiction, warns about side effects including airway compromise and skin ulcers, which can lead to limb amputation.

Senior author Dr Caroline Copeland, from King’s College London, said: “We now know that xylazine has penetrated the UK’s illicit drug market. “There are three simple measures the UK can introduce to prevent the epidemic of xylazine use that has emerged in the USA. Cheap xylazine test strips should be made available, healthcare providers need to be aware of the signs that chronic skin ulcers are due to xylazine use, and pathologists and coroners should specifically request toxicology testing for xylazine in relevant cases to understand the true prevalence of the drug.

 

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Xylazine: Powerful 'zombie drug' known as Tranq has 'penetrated' UK market, experts warnXylazine has already been labelled an 'emerging threat' in America - and now experts say the public health danger has spread to Britain.
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