Emerging Drug ‘Tranq’ Leading to Amputations

VIDEO – DON’T LET ONE GLOVE BE ENOUGH –

Sept. 28, 2022 – “That’s necrotic flesh,” she said. “This actually looks phenomenal right now,” she said as she points to the open flesh of her arm. Necrosis is the death of body tissue. Peder is among a growing number of users who have been affected by “Tranq.” Action News walked the streets of Kensington’s open-air drug market to see its impact. We saw many people who use illegal substances walking around with wound care bandages.

“We probably didn’t start seeing ‘Tranq’ until maybe three or four years ago,” said Dr. Joseph D’Orzio, an associate professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine. Dr. D’Orazio is also an expert in addiction medicine. He said initially substance users like Peder didn’t know “Tranq” was in the drug supply, but now they do as it’s in almost all of the opioid supply in Philadelphia.

“More than 90% of the bags of heroin fentanyl in Philadelphia are contaminated,” he said.

D’Orazio also said Xylazine mixed with an opioid can create a stronger effect.

“It’s really cheap,” he said. “Here’s the thing – Xylazine is an unscheduled veterinary drug. It’s easy to obtain and not illegal.”