Utah street drugs contain veterinary sedative medetomidine, not reversible by Narcan

Utah’s opioid and fentanyl task forces detected medetomidine, a veterinary sedative, in the state’s illicit drug supply. First seen in U.S. street drugs in 2022, medetomidine is more potent than xylazine and cannot be reversed by naloxone, since it isn’t an opioid; naloxone remains essential for opioid overdoses like fentanyl. Officials urge quick overdose response—call 911, administer naloxone, and support breathing—while continuing surveillance and public health guidance to save lives.