[shadow=black]An unlicensed "tanning jab" could leave users
suffering serious side-effects, a regulator has
warned.[/shadow]
Melanotan was developed to help treat skin disorders and has
not been licensed for human use.
But it is believed the drug – which users inject – is being sold in
increasing quantities on the internet and in some tanning
salons and body building gyms.
The synthetic hormone stimulates the body's production
of melanin, the substance which gives skin its colour.
The Government's Medicines and Healthcare Products
Regulatory Agency has warned 18 websites to stop
advertising Melanotan and take down their sites.
David Carter, head of the Medicines Borderline Section
at the MHRA, said the long term side-effects are not known.
[glow=black]"We are warning people
not to use this product."[/glow]
David Carter, from the Medicines
and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.
"Don't be fooled into thinking that Melanotan offers a
shortcut to a safer and more even tan," he said.
"The safety of these products is unknown and they
are unlicensed in the UK. The side effects could be
extremely serious.
"If you have used either of these products do not use them
again and if you have any concerns you should seek
advice from your doctor."
There are two types of Melanotan - Melanotan I and Melanotan II.
Melanotan II is also said to enhance the user's libido.
Both drugs work by increasing the levels of melanin
which is the body's natural protection from the sun.
One US website which sells the drug claims it takes
three to four weeks to develop a tan using Melanotan.
Users go through a "loading phase" and then maintain
their tan with one or two injections a week.
A two-month "maintenance" supply costs around £30.
But UK health experts say there is a danger of
cross-contamination and infections through shared
needle use.
"Needles used to inject could also carry bodily fluids,
which can pass infections such as HIV and hepatitis
on to other people," the MHRA warned.
Melanotan is also supposed to be diluted with prescription-only
bacteriostatic water.
But it is feared many sites are offering it in concentrate
form or offering to dilute it before sending it to consumers.
Source: Sky News - http://news.sky.com