Federal health officials are warning about a surge in reports of serious health issues tied to tianeptine, a drug being sold as a supplement despite not being approved for any medical use in the United States.
Commonly referred to as “gas station heroin” due to its availability at convenience stores, gas stations, and online retailers, tianeptine has been associated with overdoses, withdrawal symptoms, and at least one cluster of deaths. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a renewed alert this week, urging the public and health care providers to avoid products that contain the substance.
“I am writing to draw your attention to a dangerous and growing health trend facing our nation and particularly young people—the increasing number of adverse events involving products containing tianeptine, which can lead to serious harm, including death,” FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary said in a May 8 statement….