The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to use or purchase any “supplement” products from Neptune’s Fix. The products contain tianeptine, which can lead to severe health issues and even death, according to FDA.
Tianeptine is a controversial opioid alternative, that has shown up in products labeled as dietary supplements, often prescribed as an antidepressant in parts of Latin America, Asia and Europe. It is not approved for use in the United States. FDA has previously warned about this “potentially dangerous substance.” It is often nicknamed “gas station heroin” due to its frequent availability in gas stations and convenience stores.
“FDA has received severe adverse event reports after use of Neptune’s Fix products, including seizures and loss of consciousness leading to hospitalization,” FDA said in a statement. “Consumers who experience a bad reaction to any tianeptine product should seek immediate medical help.”
On September 21, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody passed an emergency rule to make tianeptine a Schedule I controlled substance in Florida.
“Tianeptine, also known as gas station heroin, is highly addictive and even deadly. The federal government reports deaths nationwide, and tianeptine is causing an increase in calls to Florida’s Poison Control Center,” Moody said. “We are taking immediate action to outlaw this dangerous substance in our state. No one should buy, sell or use products containing tianeptine.”
Similar restrictions have been passed in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee, according to CBS News.
Since June 17, the New Jersey Poison Control Center received 23 calls about tianeptine poisoning. More than half of the patients suffered from central nervous systems issues. Others presented slurred speech, agitation, chest discomfort, tachycardia, tremors, hallucinations, vomiting and urinary retention, the agency said in a statement.
Tianeptine is recognized as an adulterated ingredient by both FDA and the Natural Products Association (NPA). FDA said it is currently testing Neptune’s Fix samples for harmful and illegal ingredients.
