The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to use Optimized Plant Mediated Solutions (OPMS) Black Liquid Kratom, after it was linked to a death.
“The FDA recently received an adverse event report of a person who died after using OPMS Black Liquid Kratom,” the agency said on Friday. “This is one of many reports of serious adverse events individuals have reported experiencing after consuming OPMS Black Liquid Kratom.” Other reported adverse health effects include withdrawal symptoms, addiction, digestive issues, restless leg syndrome, skin problems, aggressive behavior, increased anxiety, lack of energy and inability to focus. The FDA said it is investigating these complaints.
OPMS Black Liquid Kratom is sold online and in retail stores.
Kratom is a plant that grows naturally in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Products containing kratom have been marketed as foods, including dietary supplements, or drugs with claims of therapeutic benefits.
“Consumers may believe kratom products are safe because kratom is a plant material,” the agency said, but the FDA has not “approved” any prescription or over-the-counter drug products containing kratom or associated compounds, mitragynine and the more potent metabolite, 7-OH mitragynine.
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