Unsafe Products & Warnings
Unsafe products and warnings: tianeptine sold as a supplement, kratom, weight-loss, sexual-enhancement and bodybuilding products with hidden drugs, and what FDA and NIH say.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
If someone has taken one of these products and is unwell, call your emergency number or poison help now: Poisoning: what to do first.
Tianeptine
- FDA issued warning letters in 2018 to companies selling products marketed as dietary supplements and labeled as containing tianeptine, and says it is aware of serious adverse events. Consumers may inadvertently become addicted and should avoid all products containing it, especially products claiming to treat opioid use disorder. Relying on them may delay people from entering recovery. [1]
- FDA's position is that tianeptine is not a lawful dietary ingredient. [1] We read FDA's 2018 page; check FDA for later updates.
Kratom
NIH: research on kratom is in its early stages; it has not been shown to be safe and effective for opioid withdrawal; it may have the potential to be addictive, and regular users may have withdrawal symptoms; FDA has not approved it. [2] Kratom may also interact with many medicines. [3]Weight-loss, sexual-enhancement and bodybuilding products
These are the categories NIH says may contain prescription drugs or unlisted ingredients. [4][5] Be especially cautious with products making dramatic claims.Other products
NIH says cannabidiol (CBD) and goldenseal may interact with many medicines. [3]What to do
- Do not use products FDA has warned about.
- Report a problem: Side effects and reporting.
- For addiction treatment, ask a health professional; we do not provide treatment advice.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Takes Action on Products Marketed as Dietary Supplements Containing Tianeptine and Warns Consumers. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Kratom. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Know the Science: Interactions With Over-the-Counter Medications. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Using Dietary Supplements Wisely. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Safe Use of Complementary Health Products and Practices. Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.