Research Project UK Harm Reduction Hub Resources

UK HRH Printable Materials

• HRH Overview

• Medetomidine flyer

Statewide Resources

• FindNaloxoneNow  

• FindHelpNow 

• Never Use Alone Hotline: 800-484-3731 

• Kentucky Syringe Service Programs

• Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition 

Drug Safety Information

• BTMPS: A chemical used in the production of plastics to protect them from UV rays.  Its effects on human have not been extensively studied, though it is associated with severe health outcomes in animals.

  • UV Stabilizer BTMPS in the Illicit Fentanyl Supply in 9 US Locations | Substance Use and Addiction Medicine | JAMA | JAMA Network

• Carfentanil: An extremely potent fentanyl analogue that is not always detected by fentanyl test strips.

  • Assessment of two brands of fentanyl test strips with 251 synthetic opioids reveals “blind spots” in detection capabilities | Harm Reduction Journal

• Cychlorphine: A non-fentanyl-related synthetic opioid that is part of a groups of new synthetic opioids (NSOs) known as benzimidazolones, which also includes nitazenes like isotonitazene.  

  • Cychlorphine first identified in August of 2024

  • Cychlorphine found in east TN

• Lidocaine: A local anesthetic that creates a numbing sensation, and the use of drugs mixed with local anesthetics can lead to toxicity.

  • CainesPublic_Health_Alert_-_Final.pdf

• Medetomidine: A veterinary tranquilizer associated with severe withdrawal symptoms that often require medical attention.

  • Notes from the Field: Suspected Medetomidine Withdrawal Syndrome Among Fentanyl-Exposed Patients — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 2024–January 2025 | MMWR

  • hip.phila.gov/document/5444/PDPH-HAN-SUPHR-Medetomidine-06.10.2025_1Zu1OZ4.pdf/

• Para-fluorofentanyl: A potent fentanyl analogue and synthetic opioid that if used alone or in combination with other opioids, like fentanyl, can cause a fatal overdose.

  • Emerging Trend: Para-fluorofentanyl (pFF) Increase in Michigan, 2018-2022 Year-to-Date

• Xylazine: A veterinary tranquilizer associated with severe skin wounds that can become necrotic if left untreated. 

  • Recommendations for Caring for Individuals with Xylazine-Associated Wounds