New Street Drug ‘Flysky’ Causes Alarm in Western Pa.

Medetomidine, a powerful Veterinary sedative, is rapidly spreading through Western Pennsylvania’s illicit drug supply, often mixed with heroin or fentanyl under the street name “flysky.” Unlike opioids, it does not respond to naloxone, leaving patients sedated and at risk. Local hospitals, especially UPMC, report sharp increases in withdrawal cases, with some ICUs seeing a third of patients affected. Symptoms include severe tremors, confusion, high blood pressure, and prolonged sedation, requiring multi-day intensive care.

First identified in Maryland in 2022, medetomidine has since been found in multiple states, but Pennsylvania now sees it in 83% of tested samples. With no rapid diagnostic test and limited treatment protocols, doctors are relying on ICU-level care, often using dexmedetomidine, another sedative, to manage symptoms. Physicians warn of an ongoing cycle of new drug adulterants and emphasize the urgent need for better testing, treatment approaches, and public awareness to mitigate the growing crisis.