The Food and Drug Administration stated that the product is called bismacine or chromocine and it is mixed individually by druggists for use by injections.
The FDA is investigating the April 20, 2006, death of a person treated with bismacine, which contains high amounts of the heavy metal bismuth. The agency also is probing several reported injuries.
The FDA said that bismuth poisoning can cause cardiovascular collapse and kidney failure.
Bismuth is used in some oral drugs to treat bacteria that cause stomach ulcers, but is not contained in any approved injection drug.
According to the FDA, alternative health doctors prescribe and administer the product as well as some people claiming to be medical doctors.
