NEW YORK, Jan 25: In a critical advisory, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cautioning consumers against the use of Neptune's Fix, a pain supplement notorious as "gas station heroin." These supplements, which contain tianeptine, are commonly found under the brand name Neptune's Fix at gas stations and convenience stores. The FDA emphasizes that the use of these products has been associated with severe side effects, including seizures, loss of consciousness, and, in extreme cases, death.

The FDA expressed concern about potential life-threatening interactions between these supplements and other medications consumers may be taking. The agency is actively investigating adverse event reports in collaboration with local and state health departments. Neptune Resources, the manufacturer of these supplements, has voluntarily agreed to recall all remaining lots of Neptune's Fix Elixir, Neptune's Fix Extra Strength Elixir, and Neptune's Fix Tablets. Earlier this month, the FDA had already sent letters to gas stations and convenience stores, urging them to cease the sale of these products.

Last November, the FDA had initially cautioned consumers against purchasing Neptune's Fix or any other products containing tianeptine, labeling it a "potentially dangerous substance" illegally marketed with claims to enhance brain function and address various health conditions such as anxiety, depression, pain, and opioid use disorder.

Tianeptine holds no approval for medical use in the United States, as asserted by both the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has reported a concerning increase in serious side effects associated with tianeptine, revealing 151 cases of tianeptine exposure reported to poison control centers in 2020 alone.