Experts warn of link between tranquilizer use, risk of HIV infection among those who inject drugs

published on March 14, 2016 by Alison Bailey in News 1130

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – We’ve been reminded time and time again about the dangers of opioids lately – in particular, fentanyl.

Now, experts at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS are uneasy about the possible dangers of another drug.

They’re urging doctors to be cautious when prescribing tranquilizers, and to look at other medications when possible.

Some new research out of the centre is the first to show a connection between using tranquilizers and a higher risk of HIV infection among people who inject drugs.

Out of 501 tranquilizer users who were studied over 17 years, 176 became HIV positive.

Researchers note these drugs are often found to be contributors to overdoses or deaths. They claim there is a practice of overprescribing tranquilizers in our province, adding the drugs are extremely addictive and fairly easy to get.