Letter to the editor: Deadly combo of xylazine, fentanyl fuels opioid crisis

Pittsburgh is grappling with a surge in overdoses related to the misuse of xylazine, a veterinary sedative. The drug is often mixed with fentanyl, amplifying its potency and contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis in the region.

While Pennsylvania has taken steps to address the issue by up-scheduling xylazine to a Schedule III drug, further action is needed at the federal level to classify it as a controlled substance. Tighter record-keeping, storage regulations and legal consequences for illegally possessing xylazine in the state will help combat its misuse.

It is unclear how many of the approximately 350 veterinarians in the Pittsburgh region use xylazine in their practice, but educating them on the potential for misuse and abuse is crucial. Involving more medical professionals in recognizing the signs of addiction and avoiding overprescribing is also essential in preventing further deaths.

As with the opioid crisis, lessons learned must be applied to proactively address the misuse of xylazine and future drug epidemics in Pittsburgh. By working together, we can prevent further overdose deaths and mitigate the devastating consequences of addiction in the region.

Dr. Asif Ilyas

Bryn Mawr

The writer, an orthopedic surgeon, is president of the Rothman Opioid Foundation, professor at Thomas Jefferson University and associate dean at the Drexel University College of Medicine.