Philadelphia Partners with Local Lab to Determine Ingredients of Local Street Drug Supply

Philadelphia is partnering with NMS Labs of Horsham to test the local street drug supply for fentanyl and xylazine, a deadly combination that is not only causing increased overdose deaths, but also painful skin infections and withdrawal symptoms. Narcan is not as effective in reviving those who use this combination, a factor in the increased overdose death rate. Other counties should also test their street drug supply and inform known users, outreach workers and first responders. New training may be in order (Today's Sunday Philadelphia Inquirer, Health Section).