People who are tempted by a quick-fix holiday tan were today warned by the UK regulator, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) about the dangers of using unlicensed tanning injections and nasal sprays containing Melanotan.
The MHRA has received 18 reports detailing 74 separate reactions which are suspected to be side effects linked to the use of Melanotan, these include stomach and heart problems as well as blood and eye disorders.
To combat the illegal trade in these products and to safeguard public health, the MHRA has closed down 72 websites offering to supply Melanotan to UK Customers within the last three months and continues to monitor websites targeting consumers.
Products called Melanotan I, Melanotan II and Ubertan work by increasing the levels of melanin which is the body’s natural protection from the sun and results in tanned skin. As these are unlicensed they carry health risks and may cause possible unknown side effects.
All products are in the form of injections and can be self-injected which means there are serious safety issues concerning needle use, such as the dangers of cross-contamination and infections.
The products are being offered to people in gyms, beauty and tanning salons as well as being sold through the internet.
Speaking about the dangers of these products Liam Moloney health care Solicitor in Naas said today “these tanning products have not been approved for use and there are no guarantees that they are safe. They can cause serious side-effects. People should make sure that they stick with safer ways of getting a tan such as self- tanning lotions.”
