AAPCC Issues Warning about Reemerging Synthetic Drugs
A group of dangerous new synthetic drugs led to a large spike in poison center calls in the United States
The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) is warning the public about a group of dangerous new synthetic cannabinoids which have led to a dramatic spike in poison center exposure calls in the United States, according to a news release.
Since the beginning of 2015, poison centers across the country have received 1,900 exposure calls from people seeking help for adverse reactions to these drugs; which is almost four times the rate of calls received in 2014.
Synthetic products are very different from marijuana. The harmful effects from these products were first reported in the U.S. in 2009. Since then, the synthetic drugs have spread throughout the country due to ease of access.
“These synthetic drugs present a potentially fatal risk that is not well recognized by people consuming these products,” said AAPCC President Jay Schauben, PharmD, DABAT, FAACT. “The recent death of five people suspected of using this category of drugs underscores the urgency of controlling these drugs and educating the public of their dangers.”