FDA Warns of Growing Threat From ‘Gas Station Heroin’ Sold as Supplements

Tianeptine, an unapproved drug sold in gas stations and online under names like “Zaza” and “Neptune’s Fix,” has been linked to overdoses and deaths.

An image released by the FDA shows bottles containing tianeptine, something the agency refers to as "Gas station heroin." FDA

Federal health officials are warning about a surge in reports of serious health issues tied to tianeptine, a drug being sold as a supplement despite not being approved for any medical use in the United States.

Commonly referred to as “gas station heroin” due to its availability at convenience stores, gas stations, and online retailers, tianeptine has been associated with overdoses, withdrawal symptoms, and at least one cluster of deaths. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a renewed alert this week, urging the public and health care providers to avoid products that contain the substance.