Medetomidine is a non-opioid sedative commonly used in veterinary medicine. However, its presence in our Commonwealth’s illicit drug supply has rapidly expanded, with approximately 80 percent of fentanyl samples in Pennsylvania now containing the sedative.
 
The dangers associated with medetomidine are severe. It causes profound sedation, dangerously low heart rates, and extreme withdrawal symptoms, and has been found to be up to 200 times more potent than xylazine. Studies indicate that between 77 and 90 percent of individuals experiencing withdrawal from medetomidine require ICU-level care. Although naloxone should still be administered in suspected opioid overdoes, it is ineffective against the sedative effects of medetomidine. Alarmingly, withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as four to six hours after last use.
 
In 2024, the General Assembly recognized the growing threat posed by xylazine and enacted Act 17 to classify it as a Schedule III controlled substance. Data shows that the presence of xylazine in fentanyl sharply declined following enactment of the law. To protect public health and save lives, we believe Pennsylvania must take the same proactive approach with medetomidine.
 
To that end, we intend to introduce legislation that would classify medetomidine as a Schedule III controlled substance in Pennsylvania and require veterinary practitioners to safely store the drug. The legislation would include appropriate exemptions to ensure the continued legitimate use of medetomidine in veterinary medicine.
 
Please join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation to keep medetomidine off Pennsylvania’s streets and help prevent further overdose deaths.