(RxWiki News) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a mandatory recall for kratom products due to a risk of salmonella.
This is not the first time the FDA has issued a warning about kratom products. Earlier this year, the agency released information on the dangers tied to kratom, a plant that grows naturally in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
Kratom has gained popularity in the United States over the past few years. This is because kratom products have been marketed as a “safe” treatment for pain, anxiety and depression. Some patients believe they can use kratom to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms. These are all serious conditions that require proper diagnosis and treatment, according to the FDA.
The FDA found that kratom will strongly bind to opioid receptors in the body and that it contains substances that are similar to those in prescription opioids (strong pain medications). The drug may also pose risks of abuse and addiction, and it can be dangerous. In fact, kratom has been linked to many deaths.
To top all that off, kratom-containing products manufactured by Triangle Pharmanaturals LLC have now been found to be contaminated with salmonella.
Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps 12 to 72 hours after becoming infected. The illness will typically last between four and seven days. Most people recover without treatment. However, the current outbreak tied to kratom products has led to an unusually high number of hospitalizations.
After the kratom manufacturer failed to cooperate with the FDA’s previous request to conduct a voluntary recall, the FDA issued a mandatory recall for kratom products.
The FDA said consumers should stop using and discard products that are part of the mandatory recall. These products include but are not limited to Raw Form Organics Maeng Da Kratom Emerald Green, Raw Form Organics Maeng Da Kratom Ivory White and Raw Form Organics Maeng Da Kratom Ruby Red.
Due to the risks associated with kratom products, the FDA continues to advise against using kratom or its psychoactive compounds in any form and from any manufacturer. Speak with your local pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
Written By Anyssa Garza, PharmD, BCMAS
