Health
Fatal drug combination sparks alert as ‘rhino tranq’ spreads across US
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Health and government officials are warning of a potential deadly substance in the illegal drug supply.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) issued a health advisory on Thursday about reports of medetomidine being detected in fentanyl.
Also known as “rhino tranq,” “mede” or “dex,” medetomidine is a veterinary sedative that causes severe, prolonged sedation. Classified as an alpha-2 agonist, it acts on the nervous system similar to other veterinary sedatives, like xylazine, and can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
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The advisory is based on surveillance data, including forensic drug testing, wastewater analysis, clinical case reports and overdose investigations.
In 2023, there were 247 incidences of medetomidine detected in drug samples, which rose to 2,616 in 2024 and 8,233 in 2025 – a more than 3,000% increase. Forensic drug reports showed that about 98% of medetomidine-positive samples also contained fentanyl.
Health and government officials are warning of a potential deadly substance in the illegal drug suppl (iStock)
The drug has been detected in at least 18 states and Washington, D.C., with a concentration in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the U.S., per the CDC alert.
Dr. Adam Scioli, chief medical officer of Caron Treatment Centers in Pennsylvania, said the alert highlights a “concerning and rapidly evolving development” in the illicit opioid supply.
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“Its co‑occurrence with fentanyl significantly complicates overdose presentation and withdrawal management, further increasing both clinical acuity and unpredictability,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Medetomidine is not routinely detected on standard toxicology screens, increasing the risk of under‑recognition without a high index of clinical suspicion.”
The drug has been detected in at least 18 states and Washington, DC, with a concentration in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the U.S. (iStock)
Naloxone (Narcan), known for its overdose reversal effects, does not counteract medetomidine, the advisory warned.
“While naloxone remains essential for reversing opioid‑induced respiratory depression, it does not address the sedative effects of medetomidine,” Scioli confirmed.
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The initial effects of the drug include deep sedation or decreased consciousness, bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure) and respiratory depression, especially when combined with fentanyl and other opioids.
Withdrawal symptoms typically begin about a few hours after taking medetomidine. They can be severe and rapid, peaking at about 18-36 hours, according to experts.
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Initial withdrawal symptoms include rising blood pressure, tachycardia, agitation and nausea/vomiting, gradually leading to severe hypertension, altered mental status, and possible cardiac or neurologic complications, per the alert.
Severe cases require intensive care in a hospital. “Management may require ICU‑level monitoring and care,” said Scioli.
Naloxone (Narcan), known for its overdose reversal effects, does not counteract medetomidine, the advisory warned. (Reuters/Andrew Kelly)
In a May 2024 example cited by the CDC, medetomidine in the illegal opioid supply was linked to a cluster of overdoses in Chicago, potentially exceeding 175. At least 16 people were hospitalized and one died.
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There were some limitations to the surveillance, the agency acknowledged. Surveillance systems rely on small samples that may not be representative of all areas.
There is also the chance that the numbers could be overestimated due to contamination or repeated use of drug paraphernalia. Conversely, numbers could actually be higher than recorded, as medetomidine is rapidly metabolized in the body and is not typically tested in clinical settings.
An expert noted that the alert highlights the need for “careful assessment beyond standard opioid toxicity models,” as well as close coordination with toxicology, emergency medicine and public health partners. (iStock)
The surveillance was conducted by the CDC with support from federal public health programs and collaboration with other agencies.
Scioli noted that the alert highlights the need for “careful assessment beyond standard opioid toxicity models,” as well as close coordination with toxicology, emergency medicine and public health partners.
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“The drug supply is evolving in ways that strain traditional opioid‑focused frameworks and demand greater clinical vigilance,” he said.
“From a treatment perspective, this is another clear example of why addiction care must be adaptive, medically sophisticated, and grounded in whole‑person, long‑term recovery — not solely acute stabilization,” he added.
Health
Former wrestler, actor reveals breast cancer diagnosis: ‘One in 750 men’
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Former professional wrestler and actor Tyler Mane announced he has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Known for his roles in “X-Men” and “Halloween,” Mane shared the news publicly to help raise awareness about a condition that is frequently overlooked in men.
“I have some bad news. I start chemo today,” Mane stated in a video posted to his social media channels. “One in 750 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and I’m one of them.”
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Because breast cancer is predominantly associated with women, many men are unaware that they are also at risk. However, according to Mayo Clinic, everyone is born with a small amount of breast tissue.
While women go on to develop more of this tissue during puberty, the biological foundation for the disease exists in everyone.
Known for his roles in X-Men and Halloween, Mane shared the news publicly to help raise awareness about a condition that is frequently overlooked in men. (Bobby Bank/Getty Images)
The most common symptom of male breast cancer is a hard, painless lump located directly behind or near the nipple, according to experts. Other signs can include skin dimpling, nipple retraction or discharge.
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Male breast cancer is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cases globally. Because routine screenings like mammograms are not standard practice for men, the disease is often caught much later than it is in women.
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Mane highlighted this issue as a primary motivation for speaking out. “Because it’s rarely talked about, it’s usually found at later stages and has worse outcomes,” he said. “I want to change that.”
Experts say the most common symptom of male breast cancer is a hard, painless lump located directly behind or near the nipple. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Medical data supports Mane’s concerns regarding late-stage detection. While male breast cancer can occur at any age, it is most frequently diagnosed in older men, according to Mayo Clinic.
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Men’s treatment plans generally mirror those for women, typically involving surgery to remove the breast tissue, followed by chemotherapy, radiation or hormone therapy depending on how far the cancer has progressed.
Treatment plans generally mirror those for women, typically involving surgery to remove the breast tissue, followed by chemotherapy, radiation or hormone therapy depending on how far the cancer has progressed. (Rune Hellestad/Corbis via Getty Images)
Mane said he is utilizing his platform to normalize conversations about male health and encourage early detection. He concluded his video by asking his followers to spread the word and help educate others.
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“Follow, like and share, and come along for my journey to kick this thing in the ass,” Mane said. “Send this to 10 of your friends and have them follow me, because people need to hear this.”
Health
New York anchor Bill Ritter announces Alzheimer’s diagnosis during his final Eyewitness News broadcast
Ultra-processed foods linked to dementia risk
Amen Clinics Associate Medical Director Dr. Eboni Cornish joins ‘Fox & Friends First’ to discuss a study revealing a 58% higher dementia risk and 46% increase in cognitive impairment from consuming ultra-processed foods.
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Veteran New York news anchor Bill Ritter revealed Friday that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, bringing an end to his more than two-decade run behind the WABC-TV anchor desk.
Ritter, 76, who has anchored the station’s 6 p.m. newscast in New York City since 2001, revealed during Friday’s Eyewitness News broadcast that it would be his final night anchoring the program.
“After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer’s,” Ritter said during the broadcast.
“It’s early-stage Alzheimer’s, and they say the treatments I’m getting are keeping it at bay, for now,” he continued. “But there is no guarantee, because there’s no cure yet for Alzheimer’s.”
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Veteran New York news anchor Bill Ritter announced that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and is stepping away from the WABC-TV anchor desk. (Linda Rosier/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
“So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor,” he added.
According to ABC7, Ritter joined WABC-TV in 1998 after an extensive journalism career that included work at the Los Angeles Times, local television stations in California and positions with ABC News.
He began anchoring the station’s 11 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcast in 1999 and was added to the flagship 6 p.m. newscast in 2001. He also anchored the station’s 5 p.m. broadcast for several years.
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Bill Ritter has anchored WABC-TV’s 6 p.m. newscast in New York City since 2001. (Heidi Gutman/Disney via Getty Images)
ABC7 reported that Ritter will remain with the station in a new role focused in part on reporting about Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions, as well as their impact on patients and families.
“For decades, Bill Ritter has covered and led New Yorkers through the stories that matter most,” WABC-TV General Manager Marilu Galvez said in a statement.
“A defining presence at ABC7, he has done so with exceptional insight, integrity and, most of all, heart, earning the love and respect of viewers and colleagues alike,” she continued.
“While he is stepping away from daily anchoring, he will continue to be an integral part of our ABC7 family, including sharing personal updates and providing resources to help others impacted by Alzheimer’s better understand the disease and the resources available to them.”
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Bill Ritter, Eyewitness News Anchor, WABC-TV, speaks onstage at the ROAR Forward Summit at Hearst Tower on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Hearst)
“Bill is strong, brilliant, and resourceful, and we look forward to his continued reporting on Eyewitness News,” Galvez added.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani responded to Ritter’s announcement by wishing the veteran broadcaster and his family “strength in the days ahead.”
“For decades, Bill Ritter has been a trusted presence in New Yorkers’ homes, helping us make sense of the news that shape our city,” Mamdani wrote on X. “
“His courage in sharing his Alzheimer’s diagnosis will help countless families facing the same challenge feel less alone,” he continued. “Wishing Bill, his loved ones, and everyone affected by Alzheimer’s strength in the days ahead.”
Ritter’s colleagues also reacted to his announcement.
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WABC-TV reporter Lucy Yang paid tribute to Ritter’s professionalism and dedication during his decades-long career at the station.
“For decades, I’ve reported for his show and even filled in, anchored w him,” she posted on X. “He never gave less than 110% I salute you. I thank you. And I will pray for you.”
Lee Goldberg, the station’s chief meteorologist, said Ritter’s influence would continue long after he stepped away from the anchor desk.
“He preaches be kind, take care of each other, & we’re all in this together,” Goldberg said on X. “Now, in addition to doing these things for himself & his loving family, he’ll build on his legendary legacy by helping millions who share his battle.”
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“You’re a saint, and my hero @billritter7,” he added. “Love you.”
Ritter also noted during the broadcast that his father died from Alzheimer’s disease in 1998 after battling the illness for years.
Health
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