The Chief Coroner of the province, Clive Weighill, is urging an increased awareness of the dangers of illicit drugs after the toxicology reports of four suspected drug-related deaths in Regina since mid-February showed the presence of a sedative for animals. 

In a press release issued Thursday morning, the Saskatchewan Coroners Service stated the preliminary toxicology reports in the deaths showed high levels of Xylazine, as well as fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl and methamphetamine.  

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

Used by veterinarians to sedate large animals, Xylazine has effects that include central nervous system depression, blurred vision, disorientation, dizziness and drowsiness. When it is combined with opioids, the risks include respiratory depression which can cause slowed breathing, as well as dangerously lowered blood pressure and heart rate.  

In an overdose situation, the administration of naloxone would not be effective against Xylazine, according to the press release issued by the provincial government, as it is not an opioid. Naloxone may still reverse the effects of any opioids that were present, though. 

Naloxone can be used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose; however, it is cautioned that naloxone treatment does not replace the need to seek immediate medical attention.  

Saskatchewan residents who are at risk of an opioid overdose, or who might witness an overdose, can receive a free take-home naloxone kit alongside training on how to use it.