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FDA will reduce food and drug inspections due to federal layoffs<\/p>\n
FDA scales back routine inspections due to support staff layoffs, prioritizing high-risk cases amid government restructuring and budget cuts.<\/p>\n
Straight Arrow News<\/p>\n
This article discusses suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text\u00a0988\u00a0or chat at\u00a0988lifeline.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n The U.S. Food and Drug Administration<\/a> is warning the public about a drug rising in popularity, commonly referred to as “gas station heroin<\/a>.”<\/p>\n Tianeptine poses a “dangerous and growing health trend” across the U.S., particularly putting young people at risk, Food and Drugs Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said in a May 8 news release<\/a>.<\/p>\n No use of the drug has received FDA approval as it can result in serious harm or death, Makary clarified. He emphasized the public must address the trend before it becomes the latest example of delayed recognition patterns previously seen in opioid abuse<\/a> and youth vaping<\/a>.<\/p>\n “I am very concerned. I want the public to be especially aware of this dangerous product and the serious and continuing risk it poses to America\u2019s youth,” Makary said.\u00a0“While the FDA is closely following the distribution and sale of these products, it is critical that you appreciate the magnitude of the underlying danger of these products, and disseminate information about it.”<\/p>\n Here’s what to know about tianeptine.<\/p>\n Is tianeptine banned in the U.S.?<\/p>\n Tianeptine has been banned<\/a>\u00a0in 10 U.S. states:<\/p>\n What products is tianeptine sold as?<\/p>\n Makary said tianeptine is sold under various product names, including Tianaa, Zaza, Neptune\u2019s Fix, Pegasus and TD Red.<\/p>\n Is tianeptine legal in other countries?<\/p>\n Tianeptine is licensed in some countries and marketed as an atypical antidepressant meant to treat depression through three daily 12.5 mg oral doses, according to Makary.<\/p>\n “Higher doses can produce euphoria, and some countries have restricted how tianeptine is prescribed and dispensed or revised the drug label to warn of possible addiction,” Makary said. “FDA recommends that health care professionals encourage patients to avoid all products containing tianeptine, including those claiming to treat an ailment or disorder.”<\/p>\n What is tianeptine?<\/p>\n Tianeptine is prescribed as an antidepressant in some European, Asian and Latin American countries, but it\u2019s not approved for any medical use in the U.S<\/a>.<\/p>\n Still, companies are marketing and selling tianeptine products as dietary supplements typically in pill and powder form, claiming it can improve brain function and treat depression, anxiety, pain<\/a> and even opioid use disorder.\u00a0<\/p>\n The drug is typically available at gas stations, convenience stores, vape shops and online retailers, according to the FDA.<\/p>\n While many use tianeptine to treat their ailments and assume they are safe because of their availability. However, the FDA said tianeptine is a prime example of availability not indicating effectiveness or safety.<\/p>\n Can people get addicted to tianeptine?<\/p>\n According to the Cleveland Clinic<\/a>, tianeptine is addictive.<\/p>\n\n