Four people have died across Utah after using products labeled as "cat's claw" or kratom that contained illegal synthetic opioids, state health officials announced Monday, Oct. 5.

The products are sold at smoke shops, gas stations and online retailers statewide, including in Draper. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is telling residents not to buy or use anything labeled "cat's claw," marked "adults only/21+" or marketed as legal while promising a psychoactive high.

The deaths occurred over four months. DHHS forensic epidemiologist Megan Broekemeier told KUTV the deaths "are not concentrated to a specific area of the state."

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) found two semi-synthetic kratom chemicals in the products: mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI) and dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine (MGM-15). Both act as powerful opioids stronger than morphine, according to the DHHS warning. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classified both chemicals as Schedule I controlled substances in August.

Products often carry the brand name "Buzzers" and list "cat's claw" or its scientific name, Uncaria tomentosa, on the label. Natural cat's claw is not harmful. But state lab testing found the actual contents were MGPI and MGM-15. Labels frequently claim the product is legal and kratom-free, yet carry age-restriction warnings.

Dr. Michael Moss, medical director of the Utah Poison Control Center, confirmed to NBC News that one of the four deaths was linked to a Buzzers product. "We had testing of the product and also testing on toxicology from blood and urine samples from patients," Moss told FOX 13. "We've confirmed that there are deaths caused by these products."

Under Utah law, only pure, natural leaf kratom may be sold legally. A state law barring retail sale of kratom products that are not pure leaf took effect May 6. UDAF is working with law enforcement and the Food and Drug Administration to trace the supply chain, but the agency said manufacturers have used dummy addresses and unconventional distribution methods.

The Oct. 5 warning is broader than a July alert that focused specifically on Buzzers-brand tablets, ABC4 reported.

Because MGPI and MGM-15 act on opioid receptors, the overdose-reversal drug naloxone, sold as Narcan, is effective against these products. Officials urge anyone who finds a person difficult to wake or not breathing to call 911 and administer Narcan if available.

UDAF is asking retailers to pull the products from shelves and urging consumers to check items they may already have at home. Residents who spot these products for sale can report them to UDAF at [email protected]. The Utah Poison Control Center is available around the clock at 1-800-222-1222 for free, confidential guidance on treatment or potential overdose.