Some tianeptine products recalled as CDC links drug to ‘cluster of severe illness'

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked a cluster of severe illness to products containing the unapproved drug tianeptine, also known as ‘gas station heroin’. Neptune Resources, a manufacturer of tianeptine products, has issued a nationwide recall. The company is sending letters to distributors and customers, arranging for the return of recalled products. Tianeptine is an antidepressant prescribed in various regions outside the US, but it is often sold illegally online and at gas stations in the US. The FDA has warned against using tianeptine products due to serious risks, including seizures and death.