The FDA launched a warning to the public of a deadly drug pretending to be a harmless supplement.
Dr. Marty Makary, FDA commissioner, wrote an open letter to his colleagues responsible for public health in which he advised them to pass the word on “the heroine of the service station” – forms of powder, liquid and non -approved Tianeptine tablets.
“I want the public to be particularly aware of this dangerous product and the serious and continuous risk it poses to young people in America,” said Dr. Makary.
“While the FDA closely follows the distribution and sale of these products, it is essential that you appreciate the extent of the underlying danger of these products and that you disseminate information on this subject.”
Tianeptine – an opioid type drugs with a high risk of dependence – is not prohibited under federal law. Yet DEATHS occurred after only a few pills.
Despite its risks, it is sold as a “harmless” dietary supplement in the service stations and online, even if the FDA has noticed several times that it is not considered one.
They say that it has never been legally sold as a supplement before 1994 – the key coupur for approval – rendering its current and illegal sales.
However, Dr. Makary and FDA are committed to suppressing sellers violating the law: “ While the FDA closely follows the distribution and sale of these products, it is essential that you appreciate the extent of the underlying danger of these products and disseminates information on this subject.
“Let’s be proactive to understand and approach the use of Tianeptine products, which are available even for young people in our country.”
Neptune corrective was found on sale in service stations in at least 10 American states. Authorities warn people can easily become dependent on a substance it contains – Tianeptine
At least four deaths occurred after users only took a handful of pills with dosages far exceeding a potentially fatal dose
The substance has been on government radar for years.
New Jersey’s poison control newspapers reported by the CDC last year revealed an increase in emergencies linked to the Neptune brand corrective.
Between June and November 2023, 20 emergency calls documented 17 patients (28 to 69 years old) collapse in an alteration of the mental state, a high -hazardous heart rate, crises and cardiac arrest.
Thirteen victims were admitted to intensive care with seven fans, although no death was reported.
Most had ingested the mixture of Tianeptine-Kavain, but 6 mixed it with opioids, benzos or kratom, amplifying the crisis.
Nine were repeated users, indicating high dependence potential.
“I’m very worried,” said Makary. “I want the public to be particularly aware of this dangerous product and the serious and continuous risk it poses to young people in America.”
Liquid pills or forms are commonly found in service stations across the United States and are sold illegally
Tianeptine has devastating side effects.
While inducing a state of euphoria, it can cause convulsions, agitation, confusion, perspiration, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, coma and death.
The supplement has been linked to at least four deadly overdoses since the first time we hit shelves in the 2010s.
Some of the most popular products include Tianaa, Zaza, Neptune’s Fix, Pegasus and TD Red, and can be found in service stations, vape and online stores.
“Case reports in the medical literature describe American consumers ingesting daily doses of around 1.3 to 250 times (50 mg to 10,000 mg) The daily dose of Tianeptine generally recommended in labeled foreign drug products,” added Dr. Makary.
Tianeptine is approved as an antidepressant in certain countries of Latin, Asian and European America.
The FDA has warned that tianeptine stopping can trigger with opioid withdrawal symptoms, including paralyzing desires, sweating, chills, diarrhea and distressing muscle pain.
