Share this @internewscast.com

The Food and Drug Administration issued a new warning late Tuesday about supplements that contain the ingredient tianeptine, commonly known as “gas station heroin.” The products — sold under the name Neptune’s Fix and often found at gas stations, convenience stores and online — are linked to serious side effects including seizures, loss of consciousness and death.

The FDA, which first warned about the tianeptine-containing products in November, said it is still receiving reports of people being poisoned by the supplements.

Tianeptine is an antidepressant that is approved in some European, Asian and Latin American countries, but not in the United States.

The substance can cause side effects in the nervous system, heart and stomach, with some effects mimicking opioid toxicity and withdrawal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The product can be found illegally in the U.S. as a dietary supplement and is often marketed by retailers as a way “to improve brain function and treat anxiety, depression, pain, opioid use disorder and other conditions,” according to the FDA.

In November, the FDA said it was investigating reports of serious reactions, including seizures and loss of consciousness leading to hospitalization.

“These products may interact, in life-threatening ways, with other medications a consumer may be taking,” the FDA said in a statement. “The agency is actively investigating adverse event reports in conjunction with local and state health departments.”

Dr. Pieter Cohen, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School who studies the regulation of supplements, said the illegal sale of tianeptine “is testament to the broken system.”

Dietary supplements sold in the U.S. aren’t approved by the FDA nor are they reviewed by the agency for their safety and effectiveness.

The FDA’s “tools are extremely limited,” Cohen said. “They’re basically in a situation where they need to ask the company politely if they can take if off the market.”

The agency said Tuesday that Neptune Resources, the maker of Neptune’s Fix, agreed to voluntarily recall its products, which include Neptune’s Fix Elixir, Neptune’s Fix Extra Strength Elixir and Neptune’s Fix Tablets.

It’s unclear whether the products can still be found on store shelves. The FDA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

However, the FDA said that at least 12 states have banned the sale of tianeptine.

Additionally, the agency sent a letter to convenience stores, gas stations and other retailers on Jan. 11 urging them to stop selling Neptune’s Fix and any other tianeptine-containing products.

The FDA’s warning comes less than a week after House lawmakers called on FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf to crack down on the use of tianeptine.


Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
A 60cm-tall mud volcano in Cusco, Peru.

Locals in Peru Discover the ‘World’s Smallest Volcano’ Erupting with Gases and Sludge

A VOLCANO touted as the smallest in the world has been discovered…
SBU Colonel Ivan Voronych, 50, was shot dead by a masked assassin in Kyiv

Shock as Ukraine Special Ops Chief Is Assassinated with Silenced Pistol in Cold Blood

This is the chilling event where a leading Ukrainian special operations official…
Karen Read asks Massachusetts court to throw out wrongful death lawsuit after murder acquittal

Karen Read Requests Massachusetts Court to Dismiss Wrongful Death Lawsuit Following Her Murder Acquittal

Karen Read, who was exonerated from murder charges last month concerning the…
'King of the Hill' Revival': Hank and Peggy return after 15 years to a changed Arlen in season 14 first look - see trailer

“King of the Hill Returns: Hank and Peggy Re-emerge in a Transformed Arlen After 15 Years – Watch the Season 14 Trailer”

Hank and Peggy Hill return to a changed Texas, and a new…
'General Hospital,' 'The View,' 'Live with Kelly and Mark,' and Anthony Mackie are among the Daytime Emmy Awards nominees.

Daytime Emmy Nominations Include ‘General Hospital,’ ‘The View,’ ‘Live with Kelly and Mark,’ and Anthony Mackie

LOS ANGELES — The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has…
Retired Chicago firefighter Patrick McDermott, who saved 3 girls from burning building, finds kidney donor with ABC7 I-Team's help

Retired Chicago Firefighter Who Rescued Three Girls from Fire Gets Kidney Donor Thanks to ABC7 I-Team

CHICAGO (WLS) — In February, the ABC7 I-Team met with Patrick McDermott,…

Ashley Biden Defends Former President Soon After Doctor Declines Testifying on Cognitive Concerns

ASHLEY Biden has spoken out online for the first time, making a…
Reckoning: Lisa Murkowski Censured Again by Alaska Republicans

Lisa Murkowski’s New Book Faces a Storm of Criticism in Reviews

This is too funny.  I’ve critiqued Princess Lisa Murkowski plenty, as have…
Construction workers reach safety after Los Angeles industrial tunnel partially collapses: ‘Everyone is safe’

Los Angeles Industrial Tunnel Partially Collapses, But All Construction Workers Are Safe

Officials are breathing a sigh of relief after more than 30 construction…
Photo of a Chinese citizen detained in Kyiv, Ukraine, for allegedly attempting to export classified documents.

Ukraine Detains Chinese Father and Son Accused of Spying on Long-Range Missile Program

A CHINESE dad and his son have been accused of attempting to…
Illustration of Indiana fireworks legality: pie charts showing legal times to set off fireworks for various dates.

New July 9 ‘Fireworks’ Law Enforces Instant Fines in US Cities for Violations—With One Date Exception

PEOPLE who set off fireworks now face instant fines for breaking a…
Jacqui Heinrich, Fox News White House correspondent, at a press briefing.

Fox News Anchor Jacqui Heinrich Shares Heartfelt Message After Getting Engaged to Older Congressman

FOX News journalist Jacqui Heinrich has spilled the details about her surprise…