St. Louis hospital says man used flesh-eating drug

[November 15, 2013]  ST. LOUIS (AP) — Doctors say a flesh-eating homemade drug popular in Russia has reached St. Louis.

The drug is known as krokodil. It reportedly produces a high similar to heroin but is more addictive.

Doctors at St. Mary's Health Center say they have treated a patient with severe leg sores caused by use of the drug, which can turn the skin into a green and scaly texture when injected. Eventually, the drug can cause the skin to rot and cause damage to tissues and bones.

Krokodil is made by cooking prescription painkillers with gasoline, paint thinner, lighter fluid or similar items. Confirming use of the drug is difficult because there is no diagnostic test.

[Associated Press]

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