FDA warns about “Xian Ling” pain product after hidden tapentadol and meloxicam

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a consumer warning on July 14, 2026 about a pain-relief product sold as “Xian Ling”, after FDA laboratory analysis confirmed the product contains undeclared prescription drug ingredients.

FDA says “Xian Ling” was promoted for pain on various websites and in some retail stores, but the product label did not list two prescription drugs found in testing: tapentadol (a controlled opioid) and meloxicam (an NSAID). FDA advises consumers not to purchase or use the product.

What FDA tested—and what it found

According to FDA, its laboratory analysis confirmed “Xian Ling” contains tapentadol and meloxicam that were not listed on the product label.

Why hidden tapentadol and meloxicam can be dangerous

FDA highlights two main risk areas:

• Hidden opioid exposure (tapentadol): FDA says tapentadol can cause serious, life-threatening effects such as slowed or stopped breathing and severe low blood pressure. FDA also notes common side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation, and warns about serious risks of misuse and abuse, addiction, overdose and death.
• Hidden NSAID exposure (meloxicam): FDA says NSAIDs can increase the risk of serious heart problems such as heart attack and stroke. FDA also warns about serious gastrointestinal problems such as bleeding, ulcers, or life-threatening tears in the stomach or intestinal lining. FDA adds that meloxicam can interact with other medications, especially other NSAID-containing products, and may significantly increase the risk of these serious side effects.

When prescription drugs are undeclared, people may not realize they’re taking medications that can cause serious side effects—or that may interact with other medicines they use.

What to do if you already bought or used “Xian Ling”

FDA’s bottom line is clear: consumers should not purchase or use “Xian Ling.” If you already have the product or used it, FDA advises health care professionals and consumers to report adverse events or side effects to FDA’s MedWatch program.

For next steps, contact a qualified health care professional. If you develop serious warning signs consistent with FDA’s described hazards—such as trouble breathing, severe low blood pressure, or serious gastrointestinal bleeding—seek urgent or emergency care.

How to report side effects to FDA (MedWatch)

FDA says reports can be submitted through its MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

• Complete and submit the report online, or
• Download and complete the form, then submit via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.

Where this warning fits in FDA’s broader health-fraud alerts

FDA also maintains a category page focused on “Pain and Arthritis Products Containing Hidden Ingredients,” which explains that products marketed for arthritis and pain—sometimes falsely advertised as dietary supplements, food, or “all-natural” treatments—can be contaminated with dangerous hidden drugs.

FDA also points consumers to its Health Fraud Product Database for a searchable list of products FDA has flagged for hidden or undeclared ingredients.

Sources

• FDA: “Xian Ling” may be harmful due to hidden drug ingredients (consumer notification)