The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has warned the public of the serious health risks posed by using the unauthorised self-tanning substance Melanotan 2.
The substance, also known as Melanotan, Melanotan II, or MT2, is often sold on social media and the internet as an injectable powder, nasal spray or drops.
It is not authorised by the HPRA or any medicines regulator to treat any condition, including for the purpose of changing skin colour.
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The HPRA advises consumers who have used these products not to use them again and to seek advice from their doctor regarding any health concerns.
The organisation has noted an increase in activity on social media, illegally advertising and offering Melanotan 2 products for sale.
Between January 2020 and June 2022, over 500 social media or e-commerce listings relating to Melanotan 2-containing products were removed by the HPRA.
As Melanotan 2 has not been authorised as a medicine, there is no guarantee of its safety, what it contains and how it is manufactured.
Despite the manner in which products containing Melanotan 2 may be presented to consumers, they are not cosmetic products.
Concerning health effects arising from the use of Melanotan have been reported, including the development of new moles, darkening of existing moles and freckles, vision loss, stroke, muscle tremors and anaphylaxis.
Grainne Power, Director of Compliance with the HPRA, said: “Consuming Melanotan 2 presents a real risk to your health.
“We urge people to consider the fact that there is no supporting safety data available for this substance before they inject it into their body or inhale it into their lungs.
“Melanotan 2 is not an authorised medicine in any form; it is not available in any pharmacy or any mainstream retail outlet. However, we are seeing the growth of marketing and promotion akin to a cosmetic product, using images of glamour and golden tans, and offering simple ‘tanning injections’ or ‘nasal sprays’ to replicate an aspirational body image.
“The promotion, advertising or sale of Melanotan 2 via online sources or social media platforms is in effect selling a dangerous substance that has not been declared safe for human use and is illegal.”
Members of the public can report suspicious activities around the supply of Melanotan and other health products to the HPRA, in confidence, by emailing reportacase@hpra.ie or by calling 01 634 3871 or 01 634 3431.
In a statement, HRPA said: “Our advice to anyone using Melanotan is to stop immediately. If you are concerned that you have experienced ill effects from using Melanotan, we recommend you speak to your doctor. You can also use our online form to report such effects to the HPRA.”
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