Medetomidine found in B.C. unregulated drug supply, BCCDC says

The BC Centre for Disease Control says medetomidine, a veterinary sedative, has been detected mixed with opioids in B.C.'s unregulated drug supply, and a province-wide drug alert has been issued amid rising non-fatal drug poisonings.

The BC Centre for Disease Control is warning that novel substances have entered the unregulated drug supply in British Columbia. The agency reports that opioids such as fentanyl are being mixed with medetomidine, a sedative used primarily in veterinary medicine that can cause slowed heart rate, blood pressure changes and prolonged sedation. The BCCDC issued a province-wide drug alert after noting increases in paramedic-attended overdoses and in detections of medetomidine in drug-checking samples and seizures. Key facts: - The BCCDC reports medetomidine has been detected in the unregulated drug supply and is being found combined with opioids. - Medetomidine is described by the agency as a potent sedative that can cause prolonged sedation and changes to heart rate and blood pressure. - The province has seen higher numbers of paramedic-attended overdoses in recent months, and detections of medetomidine have increased in drug-checking samples and law enforcement seizures. - In November, medetomidine was detected in 38% of opioid samples tested by the BC Centre on Substance Use, according to the report. Summary: The BCCDC links the presence of medetomidine in the unregulated supply to an increase in non-fatal drug poisonings while noting that deaths have not risen in BC Coroners Service data. The agency has issued a province-wide drug alert and reported increased detections; further public timelines or procedural steps were not specified. Undetermined at this time.