Warnings Issued: Synthetic Kratom Variant - 7-OH - Fueling a Growing Opioid Epidemic
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action against the illegal marketing of a potent opioid compound called 7-OH, which is increasingly being pushed to consumers under deceptive labels.
In a worrying trend, stories of severe addiction and withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia, anxiety, body aches, and sweats, are on the rise among young people who have used 7-OH. The compound's potency greatly increases the risk of overdose and dependence, making it a significant public health concern.
President Trump's administration has prioritized public safety and supports the FDA's actions on 7-OH. Earlier this month, the FDA issued seven warning letters to firms illegally marketing 7-OH products. The FDA is also reviewing whether products with unusually high levels of 7-OH should be classified as controlled substances.
The addictive compound, often found in kratom products, is being marketed as "kratom extract" or "enhanced kratom" and is sold on the same shelves as kratom. However, many of these opioid products do not disclose the amount of 7-OH they contain, making it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions.
Synthetic, concentrated 7-OH products can be marketed as 7-hydroxymitragynine, 7-OH-mitragynine, 7-Hydroxy, 7-HMG, 7 -, or all these compounds pose significant health risks. None of the health claims made about 7-OH products have been federally substantiated.
The FDA has created a special resource page, "Hiding in Plain Sight," to inform the public about the risks of 7-OH and how to avoid them. The National Institutes of Health will also initiate studies to better understand the effects of 7-OH.
Clinicians and people struggling with addiction should not view 7-OH as a safer alternative. The compound is up to 13 times more potent than morphine and binds strongly to the body's opioid receptors, leading to potentially life-threatening consequences.
Recent weeks saw several American companies illegally marketing 7-OH products, leading to warning letters from the FDA and DEA; however, specific company names were not provided in the available search results. The majority of 7-OH products come from uninspected manufacturing facilities in India.
Concerned citizens are advised to be vigilant and educate themselves about the risks associated with 7-OH. The FDA encourages anyone with information about the illegal sale of these products to report it to their local FDA office or online through the FDA's Safety Reporting Portal.
Dr. Marty Makary, the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, emphasized the importance of public safety and urged consumers to be cautious when purchasing any products containing kratom or its extracts. The FDA will continue to monitor the situation and take action against companies that violate federal regulations.
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