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Abstract: 

Xylazine or “tranq” wounds—characterized by deep pockets of dead tissue—have become increasingly visible in Philadelphia among people who use drugs. That’s because xylazine, an animal tranquilizer with no FDA-approved use in humans, is now pervasive in Philadelphia’s street fentanyl supply. Forensic testing has revealed xylazine’s presence in over 90% of street heroin and fentanyl samples, and Pennsylvania is considered the epicenter of the xylazine crisis. Rachel McFadden is an emergency room nurse at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and also works at a wound care clinic in Kensington in North Philadelphia that serves people who use drugs. In this article, McFadden answers frequently asked questions about how to treat xylazine wounds and how the stigma around them prevents people from getting medical care and other help. This article is being made available at no charge.

Keywords: Xylazine; Tranq”; Wound Care

Affiliations:  1: University of Pennsylvania’s Emergency Department.