Pubdate: Thu, 04 Jun 2009
Source: San Juan Journal (WA)
Copyright: 2009 San Juan Journal
Contact:  http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2456
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER WARNS OF CONTAMINATED STREET DRUGS

San Juan County Health Officer Dr. Frank James has alerted the
county's health care providers that at least three individuals have
reported to local hospitals with a life-threatening illness likely
caused by the use of cocaine contaminated with a drug generally used
to treat animals.

According to James, the drug levamisole - now most often dispensed for
use on animals - was previously used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and
colon cancer in humans. He said the contamination of some cocaine has
previously been reported across the United States, Canada and
elsewhere, and that the drug is believed to be added to cocaine during
production outside the United States.

People who snort, smoke, or inject crack or powder cocaine
contaminated by levamisole can develop overwhelming, rapidly
developing, and life-threatening infections, James said in a press
release issued by the county's public information office. He reported
that a patient with this condition in Seattle required hospitalization
and treatment in intensive care.

Symptoms in persons using cocaine contaminated with levamisole
include:

. High fever, chills or weakness

. Swollen glands

. Infections or sores in the mouth, skin, or anus

. White coating of the mouth, tongue or throat (thrush)

. Pneumonia, which includes cough, fever, and shortness of
breath

James is asking health providers and others who come in contact with
persons who use cocaine or crack cocaine to make them aware of this
potentially fatal complication. He also urged health professionals to
consider the possibility of a levamisole-associated condition called
agranulocytosis in diagnosing persons with these symptoms described
above. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake