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Warning over suntan jab
Rex Features
Government health officials have issued a warning that an unlicensed suntan injection could put your health at risk.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have issued a notice over the illegal jab called Melanotan.
Melanotan has not been tested for safety or quality and its side effects are unknown, warns the MHRA.
It is not even known whether the product actually lives up to claims to help you develop a tan.
The drug is being advertised and offered for sale over the internet and in some tanning salons and bodybuilding gyms.
The jab, being sold as Melanotan I and Melanotan II is designed to increase the body's natural levels of melanin. Melanin is produced by the body to protect against sun damage.
But concerns over the as yet unknown side effects of the drug – plus concerns about the use of needles to inject the substance – have prompted the crackdown.
'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,' says David Carter, head of the MHRA's medicines borderline section.
The MHRA contacted 18 companies warning them to withdraw the product from sale or face prosecution, and 17 agreed to do so
'The side effects could be extremely serious. If you have used either of these products do not use them again,' warns David.
See your doctor if you're concerned and stick to spray-on, or self-tans, from now on.
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Wednesday 19 November 2008
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hiya, thought i would lave my view on the tanning injections, as i read several comment s beffore taking them , and found them to be a lot of lies.i took 10 lots of tanning injections over 2 weeks and i did not even change colour, maybe even went lighter!i got new freckles allover my bpdy,, worst on my face and neck.i ead they would fade or even go after i stopped using the i=njections and they have not changed!! i felt sick whilst taking the tan jab, dizzy,moody and no energy!!i would say no to anyone who would take them xx
Comment by amyg xx on November 19 14:11