The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) released a health advisory on August 1, 2024. Below is a summary.
There is an increasing number of emerging substances circulating in the illicit drug
supply.
If a person is suspected to have experienced a drug overdose, but the toxicology
results are inconclusive or negative, it is possible an emerging substance could
have contributed and testing for the drugs noted below is recommended if
possible.
Use naloxone to respond to any suspected overdose. Naloxone won’t harm
someone if they’re overdosing on other drugs. Rescue breathing and/or oxygen
administration may also be needed to respond to an overdose involving xylazine or
other sedatives.
If you have any questions, please call DOH at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-
3258) or your local health department.
For consultation related to potential exposures and/or overdoses, please contact
the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
