FDA warns of deadly 7-OH as Florida cracks down on synthetic opioid

The US Food and Drug Administration has warned consumers to avoid products containing 7-OH, a synthetic chemical with opioid-like effects. The substance has been tied to hundreds of overdose deaths and poison control cases in Florida alone. Authorities have now taken emergency action to restrict its sale and distribution. Since 2013, 7-OH has been linked to at least 587 overdose deaths in Florida. The chemical mimics the effects of opioids, causing respiratory depression, addiction, and severe withdrawal symptoms. It is often found in products sold at gas stations and vape shops under brand names like Hydroxy, 7Tabz, and 7OHMZ.

In response, Florida introduced an emergency rule classifying 7-OH as a Schedule I substance. This allows felony-level arrests and the shutdown of illegal sellers. The rule also caps 7-OH content to 1 milligram per gram or millilitre in any product. Since its implementation, over 23,000 illegal packages containing the substance have been removed from retailers across the state.

The FDA has issued warning letters to distributors caught selling 7-OH. Despite these efforts, exposure and overdose cases have continued to rise, affecting people of all ages. The emergency measures aim to curb the spread of 7-OH and reduce related harm. Illegal sales remain a concern, but the removal of thousands of products signals progress. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and enforce restrictions on the dangerous substance.