CRN issues warning against tianeptine presence in misbranded dietary supplements

15 Jan 2024 --- The US-based Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has issued a warning against purchasing products marketed as dietary supplements containing the antidepressant tianeptine, which can pose “severe health risks,” including the potential for abuse and adverse neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal reactions.

The CRN alerts that unapproved products with “benign-sounding descriptions” have been found to contain the dangerous drug and are readily available at US retail establishments, including gas stations, convenience stores, and online marketplaces.

Though tianeptine is used as a prescription medicine in some European, Asian and Latin American countries, the FDA does not recognize tianeptine for use.

As tianeptine exposure cases reported to poison control centers in the country have risen, the national public health agency reminds customers only to consume dietary supplements from reputable sources highlighted on the CRN website. 

Tianeptine is not recognized by the FDA for any use in dietary supplements and may lead to drug abuse and adverse neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal reactions.Mislabeled products 
The products are frequently and illegally mislabeled dietary supplements or health products, but their inclusion of tianeptine contravenes US federal regulations. 

The growing concern over products labeled as supplements containing dangerous ingredients is reflected in a spark of reports and calls to poison control centers with complaints linked to tianeptine exposure. 

The CRN is urging consumers experiencing any adverse effects or health concerns related to ingesting tianeptine to the FDA’s MedWatch program and to familiarize themselves with the agency’s consumer tips for selecting supplements.

These include avoiding products that make unverified claims, promise quick fixes, sound too good to be true, or imply that they might not be entirely legal with marketing, such as “barely legal” or “in limited supply.” Consumers are reminded to always consult the product ingredient list before ingesting.

Avoiding hazardous products 
The agency recommends only purchasing supplements distributed by nationally recognized brands that possess a quality seal or a third-party certification or are members of industry trade associations, such as the CRN. 

People interested in incorporating a new dietary supplement regimen are encouraged to consult a healthcare professional. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA have previously warned of the presence of the harmful substance in mislabeled supplements found on the US market. 

In 2022, the US Senate introduced the Dietary Supplement Listing Act Of 2022, aiming to grant the FDA more regulatory powers over the supplement industry, with Senator Dick Dubin referring to products containing tianeptine as “gas station heroin.” 

By Milana Nikolova