Dangerous concoction linked to multiple overdose deaths in Regina

At least four people in Regina have died because of a dangerous concoction of drugs, according to the Saskatchewan Coroners Service.

The service says a toxicology report determined there were high levels of Xylazine in combination with fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Xylazine is used by veterinarians to sedate large animals as a sedative, analgesic and muscle relaxant. It has drastic effects on the central nervous system causing blurred vision, disorientation, dizziness and drowsiness.

When Xylazine and opioids are combined, there are a lot of dangers.

“This is a fatal combination,” chief coroner Clive Weighill said in a media release. “Anyone who uses street drugs like these is at a much higher risk of overdose, especially when they are combining drugs like these together.”

The coroners service is warning residents about the increased risk of street drugs, adding anyone can receive a free take-home Naloxone kit with training on how to use it.

People can access these resources for themselves or a loved one by going to the provincial opioid website or by calling HealthLine 811 to find a naloxone program.

Naloxone typically reverses the effects of an opioid overdose temporarily, but it does not work with Xylazine by itself because it is not an opioid.