STAT

FDA calls kratom an ‘opioid’ and warns against using the supplement

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb called the popular herbal supplement kratom an 'opioid' in a new statement and says it should not be used to treat medical conditions.
Kratom capsules

The Food and Drug Administration launched the latest attack on Tuesday in a drawn-out war between regulators and patients over the safety of a popular herbal supplement called kratom, branding the plant a dangerous drug.

“Compounds in kratom make it so it isn’t just a plant — it’s an opioid,” FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb declared in a statement.

Some users have argued that kratom is a safe way to treat pain and wean oneself off opioids, but the

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from STAT

STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About Plans For Generic Wegovy, Cough Syrup Warnings, And More
Biocon is developing a generic version of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and is prepared to conduct a clinical trial next year if needed.
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About Cigna Biosimilar Plans, A Vertex Deal In South Africa, And More
Cigna plans to make copies of AbbVie's Humira arthritis drug available with no out-of-pocket payment to eligible patients in the U.S.
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About MorphoSys Drug Risks, An AstraZeneca Admission, And More
MorphoSys is dealing with a safety issue with pelabresib, the experimental treatment for myelofibrosis and centerpiece of its proposed $3 billion acquisition by Novartis.

Related Books & Audiobooks