“Tan jab” is an unlicensed medicine and may not be safe - warns medicines regulator

Date published: 18/11/2008

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is warning people not to use an unlicensed medicine called Melanotan which is being advertised and sold illegally as an injectable tan on the Internet and in some tanning salons and body building gyms. Melanotan has not been tested for safety, quality or effectiveness. Therefore it is not known what the possible side effects are or how serious they could be. People should be aware of this should they be offered the product.
There are two types of Melanotan - Melanotan I and Melanotan II. They work by increasing the levels of melanin which is the body’s natural protection from the sun, resulting in a suntan. Both products are self-injected, which means there are serious needle safety issues to consider, such as the prevention of cross-contamination and infections.
David Carter, Head of the Medicines Borderline Section at the MHRA said; ‘We are warning people not to use this product. Don’t be fooled into thinking that Melanotan offers a shortcut to a safer and more even tan. 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.”