Melanotan gained popularity on social media for its ability to give users a tan without the sun – but experts are warning against the popular drug, now being bought on the black market.
Melanotan 2 was nicknamed “the Barbie drug” for its effect, but the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) is embarking on a crackdown on the dangerous peptide.
It’s easily available, able to be bought from illegal sellers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, alarming experts.
Supplying and advertising banned substances like Melanotan 2 can lead to jail time and fines of more than $1 million, and the TGA is proving it’s serious about attempting to stamp out access.
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In the past 12 months the authority has ordered the removal of more than 500 unlawful advertisements from TikTok and Instagram and identified close to 300 illegal importations of the product.
Dermatologists say the safest bet is fake tan, but warn you still need to apply sun screen if you’re heading outdoors.
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