A Frightening New Threat: Flysky in Pittsburgh and How Pyramid Healthcare Can Help
There’s a dangerous new player emerging in the opioid epidemic: a street drug called “Flysky.” Recently identified in Pittsburgh and surrounding regions, Flysky is heroin laced with medetomidine, a powerful veterinary tranquilizer not reversed by standard overdose treatments like naloxone (Narcan). This combination has already led to multiple fatal overdoses in Fayette County and beyond, and its presence continues to spread. It’s deeply alarming—but knowing what Flysky is, how to spot its use and where to find help can save lives.
What Is Flysky?
Flysky refers to bags of heroin contaminated with medetomidine, commonly used in veterinary medicine and not opioid-based. This means:
- Naloxone (Narcan) is ineffective—a major deviation from typical overdose response.
- The drug severely depresses critical body functions like breathing and heart rate.
- It’s often indistinguishable in appearance from regular heroin, making it especially insidious.
Why Flysky Is Particularly Dangerous
Because Flysky doesn’t respond to naloxone, even well-intentioned overdose interventions can fail. Victims may appear to have had a typical opioid overdose—but without Narcan’s life-saving effect, the result can be tragic. As officials warn: “You just don’t know what you are getting anymore on the street”.
Signs a Loved One Might Be Using Flysky
Keep an eye out for the following red flags:
- Overdoses unresponsive to naloxone or requiring significantly higher doses
- Intense sedation: unusually deep, animal-like lethargy
- Confusion, dangerously slowed breathing or loss of consciousness
- A sudden, unexplained change in drug response—especially in areas with rising Flysky incidence like Fayette County
How Pyramid Healthcare Can Support Recovery from Flysky Addiction
If you suspect someone is using Flysky or they’ve survived an overdose, Pyramid Healthcare is here to help. Our centers offer comprehensive, evidence-based treatment tailored to opioid and substance use disorders, including risks associated with synthetic adulterants like Flysky.
What We Offer:
- Medically supervised detox: Ensures safe withdrawal, especially vital given Flysky’s unpredictability
- Medical stabilization: Immediate care for overdose survivors, even when naloxone hasn’t been fully effective
- Individualized therapy & counseling: Address trauma, stigma and mental health issues to support long-term recovery
- Aftercare planning: From sober living referrals to ongoing therapy, so recovery can continue beyond detox
- Educational resources: Help families and communities understand threats like Flysky and stay vigilant
The Bottom Line
Flysky is a stark reminder that the opioid crisis continues to evolve in dangerous ways. Yet recovery is still possible—and Pyramid Healthcare stands ready with compassionate, expert care to help individuals and families navigate this crisis safely and effectively. Contact Pyramid Healthcare today to take the first step toward recovery.
There’s a dangerous new player emerging in the opioid epidemic: a street drug called “Flysky.” Recently identified in Pittsburgh and surrounding regions, Flysky is heroin laced with medetomidine, a powerful veterinary tranquilizer not reversed by standard overdose treatments like naloxone (Narcan). This combination has already led to multiple fatal overdoses in Fayette County and beyond, and its presence continues to spread. It’s deeply alarming—but knowing what Flysky is, how to spot its use and where to find help can save lives.
What Is Flysky?
Flysky refers to bags of heroin contaminated with medetomidine, commonly used in veterinary medicine and not opioid-based. This means:
- Naloxone (Narcan) is ineffective—a major deviation from typical overdose response.
- The drug severely depresses critical body functions like breathing and heart rate.
- It’s often indistinguishable in appearance from regular heroin, making it especially insidious.
Why Flysky Is Particularly Dangerous
Because Flysky doesn’t respond to naloxone, even well-intentioned overdose interventions can fail. Victims may appear to have had a typical opioid overdose—but without Narcan’s life-saving effect, the result can be tragic. As officials warn: “You just don’t know what you are getting anymore on the street”.
Signs a Loved One Might Be Using Flysky
Keep an eye out for the following red flags:
- Overdoses unresponsive to naloxone or requiring significantly higher doses
- Intense sedation: unusually deep, animal-like lethargy
- Confusion, dangerously slowed breathing or loss of consciousness
- A sudden, unexplained change in drug response—especially in areas with rising Flysky incidence like Fayette County
How Pyramid Healthcare Can Support Recovery from Flysky Addiction
If you suspect someone is using Flysky or they’ve survived an overdose, Pyramid Healthcare is here to help. Our centers offer comprehensive, evidence-based treatment tailored to opioid and substance use disorders, including risks associated with synthetic adulterants like Flysky.
What We Offer:
- Medically supervised detox: Ensures safe withdrawal, especially vital given Flysky’s unpredictability
- Medical stabilization: Immediate care for overdose survivors, even when naloxone hasn’t been fully effective
- Individualized therapy & counseling: Address trauma, stigma and mental health issues to support long-term recovery
- Aftercare planning: From sober living referrals to ongoing therapy, so recovery can continue beyond detox
- Educational resources: Help families and communities understand threats like Flysky and stay vigilant
The Bottom Line
Flysky is a stark reminder that the opioid crisis continues to evolve in dangerous ways. Yet recovery is still possible—and Pyramid Healthcare stands ready with compassionate, expert care to help individuals and families navigate this crisis safely and effectively. Contact Pyramid Healthcare today to take the first step toward recovery.
