FDA Warns Against Use Of Neptune's Fix, Also Known As "gas Station Heroin"

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is strongly warning consumers against using Neptune's Fix – a painkiller also known as “gas station heroin.”

These supplements contain tianeptine and are commonly sold under the brand name Neptune's Fix at gas stations and other convenience stores. The FDA warned that use of the products was associated with serious side effects, including seizures, unconsciousness and death.

“These products can interact in life-threatening ways with other medications a consumer may be taking. “The agency is actively investigating reports of adverse events in collaboration with local and state health authorities,” the FDA wrote in its alert.

The FDA determined that Neptune Resources, the manufacturer of the dietary 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. The agency previously sent a letter to gas stations and convenience stores earlier this month asking them to stop selling the products.

The FDA initially warned consumers last November not to buy Neptune's Fix or other products containing tianeptine, saying it was a “potentially dangerous substance” that was “being sold illegally with claims of improving brain function and anxiety.” , to treat depression, pain, opioid use disorder, etc. other conditions.”

According to the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tianeptine is not approved for medical use in the United States. The CDC said serious side effects associated with tianeptine have increased, noting that 151 cases of tianeptine exposure were reported to poison control centers in 2020 alone.