
Melanotan II, also known as the Barbie drug, is a synthetic peptide that increases melanin production in the skin to give it a tanned appearance. Despite being banned in Australia, it is easy to find websites that sell and deliver Melanotan II as a nasal spray or injectable vial. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued warnings about the substance, which has been widely promoted on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. It is illegal to advertise, market, or supply Melanotan II in Australia, and consumers are advised to discontinue use and dispose of any remaining product. The TGA is concerned that people may be misled into thinking these products are safe and legal, when in fact, they have serious side effects and can cause abnormal cell proliferation, potentially leading to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Melanotan II approved for sale or use in Australia? | No |
| Is it safe to use Melanotan II? | No, it can cause serious side effects and should only be used under medical supervision. |
| What are the side effects of using Melanotan II? | Headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, facial redness, increased moles and freckles, kidney dysfunction, swelling of the brain, and melanoma. |
| Is it illegal to advertise Melanotan II to the Australian public? | Yes |
| Is it illegal to supply Melanotan II in Australia? | Yes |
| Is it illegal to import Melanotan II into Australia? | Yes, unless you have a prescription from a registered medical practitioner in Australia. |
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What You'll Learn
- Melanotan is not approved for sale or use in Australia
- It is illegal to supply Melanotan in Australia without a doctor's prescription
- It is also illegal to advertise or market Melanotan to the Australian public
- Melanotan is not registered or approved for sale in Australia
- Melanotan has not been assessed by the TGA as safe and effective

Melanotan is not approved for sale or use in Australia
The TGA is responsible for regulating medicines and therapeutic goods in Australia. Before a medicine can be sold in the country, it must undergo a rigorous evaluation process by the TGA, which includes reviewing clinical and scientific data to ensure its quality, safety, and efficacy. Melanotan has not been through this approval process and, as such, it is not registered or approved for sale in Australia.
The use of Melanotan carries significant health risks. While some of the most common side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and facial redness, there are more severe consequences, including the risk of developing serious skin cancers, such as melanoma. There have also been reports of increased moles and freckles, kidney dysfunction, and swelling of the brain associated with Melanotan use.
Despite the health risks and the lack of approval from the TGA, Melanotan continues to be illegally promoted and sold in Australia, particularly through online channels and social media platforms. It is important for consumers to be aware that purchasing and using Melanotan is unlawful and can pose serious health risks. If you have used Melanotan, it is recommended that you stop immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
In summary, Melanotan is not approved for sale or use in Australia. It has not undergone the necessary evaluation and approval process by the TGA, and its use carries significant health risks. Australians are advised to avoid purchasing or using Melanotan and to consult a healthcare professional if they have any concerns.
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It is illegal to supply Melanotan in Australia without a doctor's prescription
Melanotan is a synthetic peptide that increases melanin production in the skin to give it a tanned appearance. It is often listed on the label as Melanotan I or Melanotan II. In Australia, Melanotan is not approved for sale or use as a tanning agent. These tanning agents have not been assessed for their quality or safety, and it is illegal to supply Melanotan without a doctor's prescription.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has warned consumers about the dangers of using Melanotan-II, a substance widely promoted on social media platforms. It is illegal to advertise or supply Melanotan-II to the Australian public. This includes promotion by social media influencers, who often target young people with body image pressures. The TGA has taken steps to address unlawful advertising and has issued enforcement notices for websites displaying incorrect or illegal products.
The use of Melanotan can lead to serious health problems, including headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and facial redness, and the risk of serious skin cancers. There have been reports of increased moles and freckles, kidney dysfunction, and swelling of the brain associated with Melanotan-II use. It can also cause dramatic skin darkening within days of use and has been linked to weight loss.
It is important to note that no tan, fake or real, will protect the skin against damage from sun exposure. The Cancer Council and the TGA urge Australians to love their skin and use sun protection to prevent premature aging and the risk of skin cancer.
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It is also illegal to advertise or market Melanotan to the Australian public
Melanotan is not approved for sale or use as a tanning agent in Australia. These tanning agents haven't been assessed for their quality or safety. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has warned against the use of Melanotan-I and Melanotan-II, which are illegal therapeutic goods. It is unlawful to import, export, manufacture, supply or advertise Melanotan without a doctor's prescription.
The TGA has a dedicated workforce to investigate the inappropriate and unlawful manufacturing, distribution, sale, import, and advertising of therapeutic goods. They work in partnership with online retailers and social media platforms to identify unlawful advertisements and take appropriate action. For example, TikTok and Instagram have removed content promoting or selling nasal tanning sprays and Melanotan, as this breached their platforms' rules.
The TGA advises consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medicines from overseas websites, especially if no prescription is required. Products purchased online or from overseas may be counterfeit and contain undisclosed or harmful ingredients or contaminants. They may not meet the same standards of quality, safety, and efficacy as those approved by the TGA for supply in Australia.
The TGA and the Cancer Council urge Australians to "love the skin they're in" and use sun protection to prevent skin cancer and premature aging. No tan, fake or real, will protect the skin against damage from sun exposure. The use of Melanotan to increase skin pigmentation artificially will not protect against UV exposure like a suitable sunscreen will.
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Melanotan is not registered or approved for sale in Australia
The TGA has issued warnings about Melanotan, particularly Melanotan-II, due to serious health concerns. Melanotan-II has been linked to potential skin-based complications, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Other reported side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, facial redness, increased moles and freckles, kidney dysfunction, and swelling of the brain. Despite these risks, Melanotan-II continues to be promoted and sold illegally online, targeting vulnerable individuals with body image pressures.
It is important to note that no tan, whether natural or artificial, can protect the skin from damage caused by sun exposure. A suitable sunscreen should always be used to protect against UV exposure. Consumers who have used Melanotan products are advised to stop immediately and consult a healthcare professional. Any remaining product should be taken to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
The TGA is dedicated to addressing the unlawful manufacturing, distribution, sale, import, and advertising of therapeutic goods, including Melanotan. This includes working with online retailers and social media platforms to identify and remove unlawful advertisements and take appropriate action. Consumers can play a role by reporting promotional materials or products they are concerned about to the TGA.
In summary, Melanotan is not registered or approved for sale in Australia due to safety concerns and the lack of quality assurance. The TGA strongly advises against the use of these products and is actively working to protect the public from their potential harms. Australians are urged to prioritize their health and practice sun safety instead of resorting to illegal and unsafe tanning products.
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Melanotan has not been assessed by the TGA as safe and effective
Melanotan, also known as Melanotan-I or Melanotan-II, is a synthetic peptide that increases melanin production in the skin to give it a tanned appearance. It is often marketed as a tanning nasal spray or injectable vial. However, it is important to note that Melanotan has not been assessed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as safe and effective.
The TGA is responsible for regulating medicines and therapeutic goods in Australia. Before a medicine can be sold in Australia, it must be reviewed by the TGA, which assesses clinical and scientific data to determine its safety and efficacy. Melanotan has not undergone this review process and is therefore not approved for sale or use in Australia.
The lack of TGA assessment means that Melanotan has not been subject to Australia's stringent requirements for quality, safety, and efficacy. Without regulatory oversight, there is no guarantee that Melanotan products meet any standards for safety or quality. The ingredients and manufacturing processes of these products are not regulated, and they may contain toxic, poor-quality, or counterfeit ingredients.
In addition to the lack of regulatory oversight, there are significant safety concerns associated with Melanotan. Medical experts have warned that Melanotan can cause serious side effects, including the potential development of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Other reported side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, facial redness, increased moles and freckles, kidney dysfunction, and swelling of the brain.
Due to the lack of TGA assessment and the associated safety concerns, it is illegal to supply or advertise Melanotan in Australia. It is also illegal to import Melanotan into Australia for personal use without a prescription from a registered medical practitioner. The TGA advises consumers who have purchased Melanotan to discontinue use and dispose of the product safely.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Melanotan II is not approved for sale or use as a tanning agent in Australia.
Yes, it is illegal to advertise Melanotan II to the Australian public. This includes promotion by social media influencers.
Melanotan II can cause serious side effects and should only be used under medical supervision. The most common side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and facial redness. The most concerning side effect is the risk of serious skin cancers.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recommends that you stop using the product and take any remaining product to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

















