JANUARY 12, 2024
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) is issuing a warning to consumers against purchasing and using any products containing tianeptine. These products are often illegaly marketed as dietary supplements and can pose significant health risks.
Tianeptine is not recognized by the FDA for any use in dietary supplements. Its presence in products sold in the U.S. contravenes federal regulations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have previously issued warnings about the severe health risks associated with tianeptine, including its potential for abuse and adverse neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal reactions.
These products are frequently found in retail establishments like gas stations, convenience stores, and through online marketplaces. They are often misleadingly labeled as dietary supplements, health products, or using other benign-sounding descriptions. CRN strongly advises consumers to be vigilant and avoid any products that list tianeptine as an ingredient or make unverified health claims.
Recent media coverage has highlighted the growing concern over these fake supplements. Reports have documented cases of adverse effects and increased calls to poison control centers related to tianeptine exposure. CRN stresses the importance of purchasing dietary supplements from reputable sources and encourages consumers to consult healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement regimen, or to purchase supplements from reputable companies the association represents.
CRN remains committed to consumer safety and the integrity of the dietary supplement industry. We work continuously with regulatory bodies, including the FDA, to help deter the inclusion of illegal and unsafe substances in products marketed as dietary supplements.
Consumers are urged to report any adverse events or health issues related to the use of tianeptine-containing products to the FDA's MedWatch program. For more information on safe supplement use, visit: Consumer tips for selecting supplements | Council for Responsible Nutrition (crnusa.org).
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing 180+ dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and companies providing services to those manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to complying with a host of federal and state regulations governing dietary supplements and food in the areas of manufacturing, marketing, quality control and safety, our manufacturer and supplier members also agree to adhere to additional voluntary guidelines as well as to CRN’s Code of Ethics. Follow us on Twitter @CRN_Supplements and LinkedIn.