Drug overdose deaths involving illegally made fentanyls (IMFs) continue to drive overdose deaths in the United States, with 2 in 3 overdose deaths in 2022 involving a synthetic opioid other than methadone. Each death is a tragic reminder of the growing danger of IMFs.

The detection of xylazine, a non-opioid sedative not approved for human use, in IMF products in the U.S. drug supply is increasing as well. A new MMWR uses data from CDC’s State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) to describe trends in overdose deaths involving IMFs with xylazine detected from January 2019 to June 2022 (among 20 states and DC). The findings show the monthly percent of IMF-involved deaths with xylazine detected increased from 3% to 11%. Raising awareness of the changing U.S. illegal drug supply and further research on xylazine’s effect on people are critical for prevention and response efforts.

Fentanyl mixed with xylazine is an emerging threat to the United States due to its increasing presence in the illegal drug supply. Xylazine can be life-threating, especially when combined with fentanyl.  

Find answers to commons questions about xylazine and opioids mixed with xylazine on CDC’s new Xylazine FAQ page: What You Should Know About Xylazine | Drug Overdose | CDC Injury Center

Related CDC Resources

• What You Should Know About Xylazine
• Lifesaving Naloxone
• Fentanyl Facts
• Fentanyl Test Strips: A Harm Reduction Strategy
• Polysubstance Use Facts
• Drug Overdose
• Opioids
• Stop Overdose