Xylazine Clinical Updates

Xylazine, a veterinary sedative increasingly found in the illicit drug supply, presents unique challenges for healthcare providers. This course offers a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, pharmacology, and clinical effects of xylazine, with a focus on its role in the evolving landscape of substance use and overdose. Participants will gain critical insights into the recognition and management of acute xylazine toxicity and withdrawal, as well as the broader public health implications of its use. Through evidence-based guidance and case-based learning, this training equips clinicians with the tools to respond effectively to xylazine-related presentations.

Target Audience

This course is designed for health care professionals including Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists and Nurses.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

  • Describe the epidemiology, pharmacology, and clinical effects of xylazine.
  • Recognize and manage acute toxicity and withdrawal associated with xylazine use.
  • Assess the public health impact and long-term consequences of xylazine exposure.

Disclaimer Statement:

The information presented at this activity represents the views and opinions of the individual presenters, and does not constitute the opinion or endorsement of, or promotion by, the UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences, UPMC / University of Pittsburgh Medical Center or Affiliates and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.  Reasonable efforts have been taken intending for educational subject matter to be presented in a balanced, unbiased fashion and in compliance with regulatory requirements. However, each program attendee must always use his/her own personal and professional judgment when considering further application of this information, particularly as it may relate to patient diagnostic or treatment decisions including, without limitation, FDA-approved uses and any off-label uses.

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
    • 1.00 Opioid Education
  • 1.00 Attendance
    • 1.00 Opioid Education
Course opens: 
08/08/2025
Course expires: 
08/11/2028

Course Director:

  • Ilana Hull, MD, MSc - Assistant Professor of Medicine, General Internal Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
  • Raagini Jawa, MD, MPH, FASAM -  Assistant Professor of Medicine, General Internal Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
  • Margaret Shang, MD, MS - Assistant Professor of Medicine, General Internal Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Conflict of Interest Disclosure:
No planners, members of the planning committee, speakers, presenters, authors, content reviewers and/or anyone else in a position to control the content of this education activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose.

imageIn support of improving patient care, the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Physician (CME)
The University of Pittsburgh designates this enduring material activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit[s]™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Other health care professionals will receive a certificate of attendance confirming the number of contact hours commensurate with the extent of participation in this activity.

DEA Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act
This training is designed to meet the training requirements for the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act of 2023.

Pennsylvania Opioid/Pain Management Credit (physicians only)
This activity has been designated as and qualifies for Opioid/Pain Management Credit. It is the responsibility of the learner to maintain the educational presentation or conference agenda as evidence, if needed for audit purpose

 

 

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
    • 1.00 Opioid Education
  • 1.00 Attendance
    • 1.00 Opioid Education
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