[October 30, 2024] On September 26, 2024, President Biden signed the Poison Control Centers (PCC) Reauthorization Act of 2024, passing the act into law (Public Law No: 118-86). The act reauthorizes the national Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), supports a national media campaign to educate the public and healthcare providers about the Poison Help line and poison prevention and education resources, and continues a critical grant program to support the ability of poison control centers to provide services. The PCC Reauthorization Act of 2024 reauthorizes the poison center network through 2029.

Poisonings are a leading cause of preventable death in the United States. The PCC Reauthorization Act of 2024 is vital to preventing poison and toxin-related health emergencies in America and to maintaining the Poison Help line. The Poison Help line is a fast, free, confidential help line available 24/7/365 nationwide, staffed by medical experts. Calling the Poison Help line connects you with your local poison control center.

“For more than 70 years Poison Centers have saved countless American lives and continued to keep communities and families safe from poison-related emergencies. Poison Centers offer a vital lifeline to individuals, families and healthcare providers dealing with accidental poisonings, medication errors, and exposure to harmful substances,” said Richard Fogelson, CEO of America’s Poison Centers. “Poison Centers are the unsung heroes on the front lines of responding to emerging public health threats.”

By reauthorizing funding for U.S. Poison Centers, Poison Centers can continue to save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and promote public health. Thank you to Sen. Murray (D-WA), Sen. Tuberville (R-AL), Sen. Luján (D-NM), Sen. Romney (R-UT), Rep. Lori Chavez DeRemer (OR-05), Rep. John Joyce (PA-13), Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick  (FL-20), and Rep. Don Davis (NC-01) for being champions for U.S. Poison Centers.

“Poison Centers across the country play a critical role in keeping our families and kids safe,” said Senator Tuberville. “I’m particularly proud of Alabama’s Poison Center at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham. In addition to providing life-saving treatments, these centers do a great job helping families in crisis, mitigating the burden on emergency rooms, and tracking valuable data about the flow of illicit drugs across the country. I’m glad to see this important bill signed into law.”

“Poison control centers play a vital role in preventing accidental deaths and offer important educational resources to raise awareness about dangerous substances,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “Extending these key programs will help save lives while reducing pressure on emergency rooms nationwide. I’d like to thank America’s Poison Centers for their advocacy and efforts to help get this important legislation signed into law.”

“Congress's reauthorization of funding to bolster the support for poison control centers is preventing poisonings and lowering emergency room visits nationwide," said Congressman Don Davis. "We must be grateful for the committed and hardworking team at America's Poison Centers [U.S. Poison Centers], who save lives during critical and life-threatening emergencies. They are heroes, and we must recognize them as such."

About America’s Poison Centers

America’s Poison Centers represents the network of Poison Centers across the country. We are united in our cause to prevent every poison- and toxin-related health emergency in America. Through our national Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) and website (PoisonHelp.org), we provide all Americans expert advice from nationally accredited centers with specialists who are certified in drug interactions, poison ingestions and exposure to toxins. These services are available 24/7/365, at no cost. Together, America’s Poison Centers ensure a national quality standard for the detection, prevention and treatment of toxin-related health emergencies.

Date 10/23/2024

Pink cocaine is an illicitly manufactured mixture of drugs dyed pink with food coloring. Also known as 2C, tusi, or tucibi, it emerged as a popular party drug in Europe and Latin America and is now gaining popularity in the United States. Since January 2024, America’s Poison Centers National Poison Data System has documented 5 pink cocaine exposures reported by U.S. Poison Centers across four states. All patients required medical treatment.  Three were hospitalized with life-threatening symptoms. Additionally, one unconfirmed death has been reported associated with pink cocaine use.

What’s in Pink Cocaine?

Despite its name, pink cocaine usually contains little or no cocaine. Initially, it contained the synthetic stimulants 2C or 2-CB. More recently, pink cocaine refers to an evolving mixture of stimulants, hallucinogens, opioids, and other psychoactive substances. Pink cocaine is usually in powder or pill form. Pink cocaine is usually swallowed or inhaled. It is not usually injected.

Testing of pink cocaine powders in the United States reveals most contained:

• Ketamine and ketamine precursors (dissociative anesthetic)
• MDMA (ecstasy) (stimulant/hallucinogen)
• Caffeine (stimulant)

Other tested batches of pink cocaine contain stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine, strong hallucinogens like MDA (Sally) and DMT, the anesthetic lidocaine, and opioids including oxycodone and tramadol. Additionally, some mixtures may contain fentanyl.

What are the Symptoms of Pink Cocaine Overdose?

Since the combination of drugs in each batch are not known, symptoms can vary. Reported symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe agitation
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations

Additionally, known symptoms of stimulant overdose may occur including:

• Hyperthermia (elevated body temperature)
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Seizures
• Dysrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)

Poison Centers offer the following precautions to protect against poisoning:

• Do not use pink cocaine alone or in combination with other substances or drugs.
• Call 911 immediately if someone is not responsive, not breathing or is seizing.
• While waiting for first responders, start CPR.
• If available naloxone (Narcan) may be administered if the person is unresponsive or not breathing.
• Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) to reach your local poison center if you suspect someone has taken pink cocaine.

[October 16, 2024] America’s Poison Centers announced its officers and new members-at-large of the Board of Directors for 2024-2025. These members bring decades of experience in the field of poison information and demonstrate the vast medical expertise poison centers offer to our communities.

Alvin C. Bronstein, MD, FACEP, will serve as the America’s Poison Centers Board President. Dr. Bronstein is Assistant Medical Director of the Louisiana Poison Center.  

In addition:

• Carol DesLauriers, PharmD, DABAT, Assistant Vice President at the Illinois Health and Hospital Association and leader of the Illinois Poison Center will serve on the Board as Past-President.
• David Gummin, MD, Medical Director at the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center will serve as President-Elect.
• Jeanette Trella, PharmD, BCPPS, Senior Director at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Center for Public Health Readiness and Response and Managing Director of the Philadelphia Poison Control Center, will serve as Treasurer.
• Shireen Banerji, PharmD, DABAT, Director at Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety will serve as Secretary.
• James Leonard, PharmD, Managing Director, Washington Poison Center will serve as an at-large member of the Board.
• Travis Olives, MD, MPH MEd, Associate Medical Director, Minnesota Regional Poison Center will serve as an at-large member of the Board.

About America’s Poison Centers

America’s Poison Centers represents the 54 US Poison Centers. We are united in our cause to prevent every poison and toxin-related health emergency in America. Through our national Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) and website PoisonHelp.org, our member centers provide all Americans expert advice from nationally accredited centers with specialists who are certified in poison exposures, drug interactions, and all manner of toxic exposures. These services are available 24/7/365, at no cost. Together, America’s Poison Centers ensure a national quality standard for the detection, prevention and management of poison-related health emergencies.

For more information, contact:

Maggie Maloney
Senior Director of External Affairs

maloney@poisoncenters.org

America’s Poison Centers has seen a recent uptick in cases of pediatric exposure to energy drinks. From 2022 to 2023, there was a 24.2% increase in such calls for children and teens under 20 years old. Children 6 to 12 years old experienced the largest proportional increase in energy drink cases, rising from 11% of pediatric energy drink cases in 2020 to 20% in 2023.

The rise in energy drink exposures follows their growing popularity and increasing availability in stores. Energy drinks often contain caffeine from multiple sources like green tea extract, yerba mate, and guarana. There is no limit on the amount of caffeine energy drinks can contain and the caffeine content is not required to be listed on labels.

While the number of cases has risen, it is important to note that the severity of these exposures has not increased. The reason for exposure in most of the cases (78%) was unintentional, meaning kids did not realize they were consuming energy drinks or how much caffeine they were drinking. Less than 15% of cases were due to kids and teens purposefully consuming energy drinks to enhance alertness, attention, or physical performance.

Symptoms for energy drink overdose include:

• Sleep disturbances and insomnia
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Tremors
• Dehydration
• Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Call 911 for immediate medical attention if the person is experiencing difficulty breathing, seizures, or irregular heartbeat.

 Prevention Tips:

• Avoid keeping energy drinks in areas where children can accidentally consume them.
• Encourage a balanced lifestyle with proper sleep, hydration, and nutrition. 
• Teach children and teens to read labels and recognize caffeine content in drinks. 
• Limit caffeine intake among children and teens, opting for safer, child-friendly beverage options like water, milk, or 100% fruit juice. 

Symptoms of energy drink exposure may not be immediately noticeable and can escalate quickly. If your child has consumed an energy drink, it is important to seek immediate medical advice. Call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 to speak with a poison expert, or visit PoisonHelp.org for online support and resources.

About America’s Poison Centers

America’s Poison Centers represents the network of Poison Centers across the country. We are united in our cause to prevent every poison- and toxin-related health emergency in America. Through our national Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) website PoisonHelp.org, we provide all Americans expert advice from nationally accredited centers with specialists who are certified in drug interactions, poison ingestions and exposure to toxins. These services are available 24/7/365, at no cost. Together, America’s Poison Centers ensure a national quality standard for the detection, prevention and treatment of toxin-related health emergencies.

Contact:

Maggie Maloney

America’s Poison Centers

Sr. Director of External Affairs

maloney@poisoncenters.org

***UPDATED SEPTEMBER 26, 2024***

U.S. Poison Centers have received reports of severe illness potentially associated with consuming Diamond Shruumz^TM brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies. These products are marketed for “microdosing” and contain a blend of mushrooms that do not include magic mushrooms (psilocybin) or other hallucinogenic mushrooms.  Products containing psychoactive compounds, such as mushroom extracts, are increasing in availability, and might contain undisclosed ingredients, including illicit substances, or potentially harmful contaminants that are not approved for use in food.

As of September 26, 2024, poison centers have received 198 reports of exposure, including 108 cases with more severe illness. Of the 108 cases with more severe illness, 91 sought medical attention after consuming Diamond Shruumz^TM brand products and 55 cases resulted in hospitalization. Two potentially associated deaths have been reported that are pending further investigation. America’s Poison Centers is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state and local partners that are focused on investigating the cases of more severe illness reported to poison centers.

Diamond Shruumz^TM brand products have been recalled and should no longer be available for sale. Consumers should check their homes and discard these products or return them to the company for a refund.

Symptoms reported by people who became ill after consuming Diamond Shruumz^TM brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies, include: seizures, central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, and sleepiness), agitation, hallucinations, abnormal heart rates, high or low blood pressure, and gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain).

America’s Poison Centers advises the public to:

• Check freezers and pantries for these products and discard if found.

• Do not eat, sell, or serve any flavor of Diamond Shruumz^TM brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies.

• Store edibles and mushroom-containing products up high and out of reach of children.

• Report adverse events related to Diamond Shruumz^TM chocolate bars, cones, and gummies to FDA MedWatch.

•  If you become ill after consuming Diamond Shruumz^TM brand chocolate bars, cones, or gummies call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Inform your local poison center you have recently consumed these products. Poison Help is available 24/7, free, and confidential.

For more information:

• FDA: Investigation of Illness: Diamond Shruumz-Brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, & Gummies (June 2024)

• MedWatch: the FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program

• CDC: Severe Illness Potentially Associated with Consuming Diamond ShruumzTM Brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies

America’s Poison Centers, CDC, and FDA are continuing to monitor reports of illness nationwide.

Contact:

Maggie Maloney

America’s Poison Centers

Sr. Director of External Affairs

maloney@poisoncenters.org

Research conducted by the Oregon Poison Center highlights the devastating impact of the fentanyl crisis on children in the United States.

U.S. Poison Centers are reporting a dramatic increase in cases of young children exposed to illicit fentanyl. In 2016, 10 cases of illicit fentanyl exposures in children under 6 years old were reported to U.S. Poison Centers. By 2020 that number jumped to 120 and by 2023, U.S. Poison Centers managed 539 cases of illicit fentanyl exposure in children under 6 years old; a 349% increase in 3 years and a 5,290% increase since 2016.  

“It is imperative that the community provides resources to end the fentanyl epidemic and that people who use illicit drugs secure them from children by using opaque child-resistant lockable containers,” says Robert Hendrickson, M.D., lead author of the study, medical director of the Oregon Poison Center and professor of emergency medicine in the OHSU School of Medicine. “We are extremely concerned about what we are seeing in the community and will continue to bring the issue to the forefront to raise awareness about how to prevent unintentional exposures among children.”

Fentanyl, when prescribed by a doctor, can be given as a dissolvable tablet, lozenge, spray, injectable or patch. Illegally manufactured fentanyl most often associated with recent high-profile poisonings is made in unauthorized labs and pressed into small blue pills meant to mimic oxycodone tablets. Unlike prescription pills, the amount of fentanyl in these counterfeit pills may vary from pill to pill and the amount in a single pill can be deadly for most children. In addition to fentanyl, these pills may contain a variety of other medicines including fentanyl analogs, or sedatives like xylazine that may contribute to poisoning. Illicit fentanyl may also be available as a white powder of varying concentration and children may be exposed by getting powder on their hands and then touching their mouths.

A study conducted by the Oregon Poison Center and published in the New England Journal of Medicine determined that pediatric fentanyl exposures increased in relation to the number of pills seized. The study found that more than 80% of pediatric unintentional exposures to illicit fentanyl occurred in the child’s home, highlighting the need for education and awareness about preventing unintentional pediatric drug exposures.

“The rise of cases for young children exposed to fentanyl highlights the need for increased public awareness of the fentanyl epidemic,” said Dr. Kaitlyn Brown, Clinical Managing Director for America’s Poison Centers. “Equipping communities with knowledge about the dangers of fentanyl exposures in young children, how to prevent accidental exposure, and what to do when a child has been exposed is key to keeping young children safe.”

Children exposed to illicit fentanyl experienced a variety of symptoms including loss of consciousness and slowed or stopped breathing. Sixty-three percent of the children were treated with naloxone. To prevent opioid poisoning parents of young children should ensure all medicine, drugs and other potentially poisonous substances are kept up high and out of reach. Simple measures like using a cabinet lock or medicine lock box can have a big impact. These substances must be locked up after every use.

Teach young children not to put anything in their mouth unless a trusted adult says it’s okay. When visiting another household, make sure medicine and drugs are out of reach or locked up. 

People who use illicit drugs, or whose loved ones use illicit drugs, should take precautions against overdoses, including carrying multiple doses of naloxone, the opioid reversal drug. People who use fentanyl should be aware of the risk to children and use lock boxes or opaque lockable portable bags to store fentanyl or any potentially dangerous drug. It is important to note that naloxone that is intended for adults can be used safely on a child who is not breathing due to fentanyl or any opioid.

Signs that someone is experiencing an opioid overdose include:

• Small, constricted “pinpoint” pupils
• Pale, bluish skin
• Vomiting or foaming at the mouth
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Appearance of sleepiness or loss of consciousness.

Call 9-1-1 right away if someone is unconscious, not breathing or if naloxone has been given.

Poison Center experts are available 24/7/365 at no cost and can provide fast, free, and confidential help if you or a loved one is experiencing unwanted symptoms after taking pills or using illicit substances.

Contact:

Maggie Maloney

America’s Poison Centers

Sr. Director of External Affairs

maloney@poisoncenters.org

Bipartisan Brown, Scott Sponsor Resolution Designating March 17-23, 2024 as National Poison Prevention Week.

Every year, trained pharmacists, nurses, specialists in poison information, and physicians manage more than 2 million poisoning cases in the United States and its territories. With tremendous progress since National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) was first observed more than 60 years ago, poisonings unfortunately continue to be a leading cause of death and injury.

U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Tim Scott (R-SC) sponsored a resolution to recognize the week of March 17 through March 23, 2024, as National Poison Prevention Week. “The hardworking folks at Poison Control Centers across the nation, including South Carolina’s Palmetto Poison Center, are working nonstop to help those in crisis,” said Senator Scott. “As we’ve witnessed overdoses and attempted suicides skyrocket, their vital work is more important now than ever before. During National Poison Prevention Week, we express our gratitude for these frontline workers who save lives each day through poison prevention and response efforts.”

NPPW brings together the Nation’s 55 Poison Centers, community organizations, and government agencies to raise awareness of the risks posed by poisonous substances, precautions people can take to keep their families safe, and using the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) and website (PoisonHelp.org) when responding to an emergency. “Ohio is the proud home to two Poison Control Centers and I’m grateful for the lifesaving work the workers there do to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Brown. “As we recognize National Poison Prevention Week, we must continue to support these workers in Ohio and ensure staff, faculty, and other experts at our Poison Control Centers have the resources they need to protect Ohioans.”

According to America’s Poison Centers 2022 Annual Report, the top five exposure substances are all products commonly found in the home. These include analgesics, household cleaners, cosmetics/personal care products, antidepressants, and antihistamines. “More than 90 percent of poisonings happen at home,” said Kaitlyn Brown, PharmD, Clinical Managing Director, America’s Poison Centers. “We know it can take only a minute for an accident to happen, especially with young children. This National Poison Prevention Week we encourage everyone to be prepared in the event of an emergency by saving 1-800-222-1222 in their contacts. This week is also a great opportunity to learn about resources and establish home safety practices.”

“Poison Centers are often the unsung heroes on the front lines of responding to poisoning and public health emergencies,” said Richard Fogelson, America’s Poison Centers, CEO. “National Poison Prevention Week serves as a reminder of the critical role that Poison Centers play in providing education and prevention information to help keep our communities and families safe.”

A ceremony was held this week at America’s Poison Centers’ offices in Arlington, Virginia for the winners of the 2024 NPPW Video and Poster Contest. Students in grades K-12 from across the country were invited to submit a video or poster that showcases poison prevention safety messaging by kids and for kids. This year’s winners include:

• Poster People’s Choice Winner: Myrical McCray, Grade 3, Manatee School for the Arts and Sciences

• Poster Grade K-2 Winner: Gwyneth Wagner, Grade 2

• Poster Grade 3-4 Winner: Chrissa Orense, Grade 4

• Poster Grand Prize Winner: Rheia Williams, Grade 1

• Video People’s Choice Winner: Bella Landaker, Grade 8, Mandarin Middle School

• Video Grade 5-8 Winners: Abdul Kareem Hasan, Andrew Du, Hayden Haithcock, and Brock Ferguson, Grade 8, Blacksburg Middle School

• Video Grade 9-12 Place Winner: Sofia Nguyen, Grade 10, Westminster High School

• Video Grand Prize Winners: Bailey Faulks, Xenia Okonta, Sara Pilic, Grade 7, Barber Middle School

About America’s Poison Centers

America’s Poison Centers represent 55 Poison Centers across the country. We are united in our cause to prevent every poison- and toxin-related health emergency in America. Through our national Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) website PoisonHelp.org, we provide all Americans expert advice from nationally accredited centers with specialists who are certified in drug interactions, poison ingestions and exposure to toxins. These services are available 24/7/365, at no cost. Together, America’s Poison Centers ensure a national quality standard for the detection, prevention and treatment of toxin-related health emergencies.

Contact:

Maggie Maloney

America’s Poison Centers

Sr. Director of External Affairs

maloney@poisoncenters.org

For 40 years Poison Centers have led the national in publishing and tracking poison-related public health data

America's Poison Centers releases the 2022 Annual Report of the National Poison Data System (NPDS), marking 40 years of publishing poison-related data trends in the United States. America's Poison Centers have published Annual Reports since 1983, providing expertise and educational information in managing increasing numbers of more serious poison exposures. The first Annual Report was published with the data of just 16 poison centers. Today, the National Poison Data System is the nations only near real-time poisoning data surveillance system, integrating the latest information from all 55 U.S. Poison Centers.

Through the Poison Help line and website (poisonhelp.org), America's Poison Centers serves the entire population of the United States, providing free, expert, and confidential poison help 24/7/365. In 2022, U.S. Poison Centers responded to 2,427,974 total cases, on average receiving a new case every 15 seconds. The most common exposure substances were analgesics, household cleaning substances, antidepressants, cosmetics/personal care products, and antihistamines.

“Unintentional and intentional exposures continue to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the U.S., highlighting a clear need for specialized medical toxicology information to manage the increasing number of more serious exposures,” said Carol DesLauriers, PharmD, DABAT,  board president of America’s of Poison Centers and leader of the Illinois Poison Center. “Through NPDS we provide a critical nationwide infrastructure for surveillance that allows us to identify exposures of all kinds, including emerging public health threats, such as fentanyl and Delta-8 THC.”

2022 Annual Report highlights include:

• 24 percent of cases were reported from health care facilities in 2022. There has been a consistent increase in recent years of exposure cases reported from health care facilities, as well as cases with more serious outcomes.

• Fentanyl was identified as an emerging public health threat. Since 2000, Poison Centers have documented a total of 53,144 fentanyl exposures, which have continued to increase over the years with a significant shift from prescription fentanyl to non-prescription (illicit) fentanyl. Analysis has demonstrated a strong correlation between the number of fentanyl exposures with more serious medical outcomes in NPDS and CDC wonder data on fentanyl-related deaths.

• In 2022, Poison Centers managed 3,358 exposures to Delta-8 THC, an increase of 82 percent from 2021. This demonstrates the growing use and popularity of Delta-8 THC products, which are available in many forms, including gummies, chocolate, candies, cookies, vaping cartridges, infused drinks, and even breakfast cereal.

For more information, or to read a full copy of the 2022 National Poison Data System Annual Report, visit: https://www.poisoncenters.org/annual-reports.

For poison-related questions or emergency assistance, contact:

• Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 to speak with a poison expert, or

• Visit PoisonHelp.org (the official website for America’s Poison Centers) for resources and support.

Contact:

Maggie Maloney

America’s Poison Centers

Sr. Director of External Affairs

maloney@poisoncenters.org

 Guidelines will standardize treatment across U.S. and Canada and improve patient outcomes

New consensus guidelines for the management of acetaminophen poisoning published in JAMA Network Open  are now available to be used by Poison Centers and hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. Acetaminophen overdose continues to be a leading cause of accidental and intentional poisoning, with more than 80,000 cases reported in 2021 to U.S. Poison Centers. When not treated properly, acetaminophen poisoning causes liver failure and death.

For the first time-ever a panel of more than twenty experts were convened from America’s Poison Centers, American Academy of Clinical Toxicology (AACT), American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT), and the Canadian Association of Poison Centres & Clinical Toxicologists (CAPCCT) to develop consensus guidelines for the treatment of acetaminophen poisoning. The guidelines were developed through a systematic review of the medical literature, including existing guidelines and 278 publications.

“These guidelines address a critical gap in the care and treatment of patients with acetaminophen poisoning, and are a significant achievement for the medical and public health community,” said Richard Dart, MD, PhD, Director of the Rocky Mountain Poison Center and chairperson of the acetaminophen panel. “Standardized guidelines will ensure that patients receive life-saving treatment sooner, resulting in better patient care and outcomes, and has the potential to save costs by reducing the length of hospital stays.”

The guidelines addressed the following topics:  

•  Assessing risk of liver injury
•   Recommended dosage and administration of activated charcoal and N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), which are used to treat acetaminophen overdose
•  Special populations (i.e. pregnant persons, children)
•   Assessing and treating high-risk ingestions (formerly called "massive overdose”)

“I want to extend a huge congratulations to all the members of the panel who participated in the development of these guidelines,” said Carol DesLauriers, PharmD, Board President, America’s Poison Centers and Assistant Vice President of the Illinois Poison Center and Illinois Health and Hospital Association. “This milestone is a testament to the hard work and collaboration among the different organizations. More importantly, it will help us drive our collective public health mission forward, and reduce the number of poison-related health emergencies.”

To read a full copy of the new guidelines, visit JAMA Network Open.

For questions related to acetaminophen or emergency assistance, contact:

•  Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 to speak with a poison expert, or
• Visit PoisonHelp.org (the official website for America’s Poison Centers) for resources and support.

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy recently designated xylazine combined with fentanyl as an emerging threat to the United States.  This combination is sometimes referred to by the slang term,“Tranq.” Xylazine is a non-opioid tranquilizer approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for veterinary use only. There has been a steady increase in the combination of fentanyl and xylazine being sold illegally in the United States, may lead to more severe complications from overdose.  

The introduction of xylazine has played a significant role in the opioid crisis and the increase in cases and overdose deaths seen across the country. Similar to other agencies, U.S. Poison Centers are documenting an increasing number of cases involving xylazine. In 2022, U.S. Poison Centers documented the largest annual number of cases involving xylazine noting a 173% increase in cases compared to 2019.This trend of increased xylazine exposures continues in 2023. During the first 3 months of 2023, Poison Centers have documented four times the number of xylazine cases compared to the same period in 2022.

Poison Centers offer the following precautions to protect against poisoning.

• Naloxone is safe to administer to people experiencing an overdose from xylazine combined with fentanyl. While it will not reverse the effects of xylazine, it may help by reversing the effects of fentanyl or other opioids involved.
• Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) to reach your local poison center if you suspect someone has been exposed to xylazine combined with fentanyl.
• Call 911 immediately if an individual is unconscious, unable to breathe, or seizing.

For additional online support and poisoning prevention resources, visit PoisonHelp.org.