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FDA Warns Against Injectable Suntan

-December 3, 2008

A new product named "Melanotan" sold on the Internet is advertised as an easy, safe way to self-inject melanin into one's body, resulting in tan skin. However, Melanotan is an unlicensed product that has not been adequately tested for effectiveness, product quality, and most importantly, safety. Its possible side effects could be quite serious.

Synthetic Versions of a Hormone
The two types of Melanotan available — Melanotan I and Melanotan II — are synthetic versions of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). The researchers who developed these synthetics were seeking a way to combat melanoma (skin cancer) by stimulating the body's natural tanning ability, which can actually protect against skin cancer. Other companies have marketed Melanotan purely as a cosmetic product.

The "Tan Jab" May Cause Injuries
Melanotan, which some have nicknamed "the tan jab," has significant issues regarding:

• The use of the needles necessary for its application (for example, infections, contamination)
• The side effects of using a synthetic hormone
• In addition, Melanotan must be diluted before injection — with bacteriostatic water, which may or may not come with the product ordered online, and which may or may not be pure and safe.

Not FDA-Approved
Last year, the FDA issued a warning to an American manufacturer of Melanotan and warned consumers using Melanotan to stop immediately. Tennessee-based Melanocorp was marketing Melanotan online and in gyms as both a tanning agent and a preventative against melanoma and rosacea (skin flushing/redness).

The FDA's director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research spelled it out: "This product is being marketed and sold illegally as a preventative against skin cancer and as a tanning agent."

(Source: Medical News Today)

Get Legal Help for Injuries
If you're concerned about the risks of Melanotan, talk with a defective drugs/medical devices law firm in your area. The FDA advises that Melanotan users consult their healthcare provider if adverse events have been experienced. Contact us today for more information.

 

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