Purported tanning aid advertised on social media may cause serious health issues, regulator warns

A purported tanning aid advertised on social media may cause “serious, long-term damage” to health, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has warned.

The unregulated substance, referred to as Melanotan 2, Melanotan or MT2, is commonly sold as an injectable powder or in drops and nasal sprays.

Serious side effects include development of new moles, darkening of existing moles and freckles, vision loss, muscle tremors, stroke and anaphylaxis, the regulator warned.

The Irish Cancer Society describes the substance as a “synthetic hormone designed to stimulate pigment cells to produce more melanin” that is illegal, untested and unregulated.

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The HPRA on Thursday expressed concern that products containing Melanotan 2 are increasingly being targeted towards young people by using bright colours, flavours and branding.

There has been a “notable escalation” in activity related to the product, with the HPRA removing more than 500 social media and online listings in the last year.

Action will be taken against those using social media to advertise and sale these products, including prosecution where there is significant risk to public health.

The regulator’s director of compliance, Grainne Power, said there is no guarantee about melanotan’s quality, safety or effectiveness.

“If products advertised online seem too good to be true, it is likely that they are,” she said.

Melanotan 2 is not a cosmetic product and has no known legitimate suppliers. It is not authorised by the Irish regulator or any medicines regulator to treat any condition.

The HPRA said anyone using it should stop immediately and contact medical professionals.

Suspicious activities around the product’s sale and supply can be reported to the regulator in confidence by e-mailing reportacase@hpra.ie.