Melanotan II sellers pushing dangerous drug on social media
Sellers of a banned artificial-tanning drug are randomly messaging women on social media to spruik the injectable product that promises to “help tan skin faster and darker with minimal sun exposure”. But experts warn it could have serious side effects.
South East
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Unscrupulous sellers of an illegal artificial-tanning drug are pushing their dangerous product to Australians via social media.
And some are randomly messaging women to spruik the injectable Melanotan II, dubbed “the Barbie drug”.
The Leader found five companies — at least three based in Australia — selling the drug on Instagram, promising to “help tan skin faster and darker with minimal sun exposure”.
But experts warn it can have serious side effects and makes melanoma harder to detect.
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Cranbourne’s Chrissie Burley said she received a random message from a Melanotan II supplier on Instagram.
“The seller said I could just deposit the money into their account and assured me it was safe,” she said.
“But then I started researching it online and saw the side effects — I was shocked.”
Melanotan II increases the production of skin-darkening pigments and is banned from commercial sale in Australia.
But tan addicts are snapping it up online, despite Therapeutic Goods Administration warnings that the drug causes moles, freckles, nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, spontaneous erections and face flushes.
Posing as a buyer, the Leader asked one supplier if the drug was legal.
He said they had been using it for “11 years, as did their tens of thousands of buyers”.
He claimed the drug was made to “prevent cancer by stopping sunburn” and buyers “shouldn’t have to worry about the legalities of buying it”.
Prices, he said, ranged from $55 to $320.
Australasian Society of Cosmetic Dermatologists president Associate Professor Dr Greg Goodman warned consumers against using unregulated drugs.
“The biggest risk (Melanotan) poses is that it’s harder to detect melanoma,” he said.
“It’s completely bizarre that someone would inject themselves with a drug they have bought on the internet that will stay in your system for at least six weeks.”
A TGA spokesman said the administration had taken action in relation to some of the Instagram advertising found by the Leader and would continue to investigate.
“Australians are strongly advised not to use Melanotan I, Melanotan II and similar injectable tanning products,” he said.
“These products have not been assessed by the TGA as safe and effective … or approved for sale in Australia and may cause serious side effects.”
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He said the TGA had investigated allegations of therapeutic goods being supplied outside regulatory requirements, working closely with the Australian Border Force and state and territory authorities.
A convicted person can face up to five years in prison and/or fines of up to $840,000.