Washington Poison Center warns that counterfeit "cat's claw" supplements laced with kratom-derived opioids are causing overdoses

The Washington Poison Center issued a safety alert on October 7, 2026, warning that counterfeit "Cat's Claw" herbal supplements laced with highly concentrated kratom-derived opioids are causing overdoses and severe withdrawal, with poison centers across the country treating sick patients.

Authentic cat's claw is an herbal product that is not psychoactive and does not cause opioid overdose or withdrawal [1]. The fake versions are different: they are strong opioids [1], and the center says investigations into products sold under the "Cat's Claw" label found undisclosed 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), MGM-15, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI), and other potent compounds derived from kratom [1]. All three act on the same brain receptors as morphine, heroin, and fentanyl [1]. 7-OH occurs naturally in kratom in small amounts but can be manufactured in a highly concentrated form [1]; MGM-15 and MGPI are semi-synthetic compounds made in labs [1]. In the adulterated products, these compounds turn up at dangerous, highly concentrated levels [1], and taking too much can slow or stop breathing, while regular use can cause physical dependence and severe withdrawal [1]. The center says the Utah Poison Control Center has reported four confirmed deaths involving cat's claw [1], and poison centers in Washington and elsewhere are treating patients sickened by it [1]. These products are sold in vape shops, gas stations, convenience stores, and online [1]. As of the alert's October 7 date, only the Buzzers and Homiez brands have been implicated, through investigations in other states, in containing kratom alkaloids [1], and the center says it does not know which brands circulating in Washington are linked to the symptoms it's seeing in patients [1]. The center also states that, as of August 2026, MGM-15 and MGPI were Schedule I controlled substances, making their sale and possession illegal [1].

The center tells anyone who bought "Cat's Claw" products from vape shops, gas stations, convenience stores or online retailers to stop using them [1]. It advises watching anyone who may have used one for extreme sleepiness or slow breathing, and, if they cannot be woken, calling 911 and giving naloxone immediately [1]. Suspected cases can be reported to the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222, free, confidential and available 24/7 [1].

For clinicians, the center notes that standard urine drug screening will not identify these compounds [1].

Also reported: KING 5, Washington Poison Center warns of opioid risks in counterfeit cat's claw supplements.

References

1. Safety Alert: Fake Cat's Claw Supplements Resulting in Overdose & Severe Illness — Washington Poison Center