San Francisco reports first overdose death from new street drug medetomidine

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco has seen its first death involving the drug medetomidine.

Medetomidine is an animal tranquilizer that is frequently mixed with fentanyl.

The San Francisco Department of Public Health says at this time the drug is not widespread, but it is concerning.

MORE: Fentanyl laced with animal tranquilizer leading to overdoses across US; supervisor urges SF to test

It is prevalent on the East Coast and has resulted in a spike of overdoses.

The Chronicle reports the person who overdosed was a 46-year-old woman who had multiple drugs in her system.