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January 06, 2010
Cocaine diluted with veterinary drug linked to cases of agranulocytosis.
The San Francisco Chronicle (12/29, Allday) reported that to "augment" its effect, the majority of cocaine making its way into the US is being cut with a veterinary drug meant to deworm animals."
In fact, "at San Francisco General Hospital...90 percent of 200 patients who recently tested positive for cocaine also tested positive for levamisole." Although the majority of those patients did not fall ill, public health officials explained that levamisole poisoning can lead to "a condition called agranulocytosis." It also appears to be linked to "serious skin conditions that make" the "skin look black." Thus, "doctors and lab specialists at SF General are leading state and national efforts to diagnose and treat patients."
Related Links:
- Most cocaine diluted with unsafe livestock drug," Erin Allday, San Francisco Chronicle, December 29, 2009.
Posted by admin at January 6, 2010 08:20 PM