Latest news with #Melanotan
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Warning over 'dangerous' nasal tanning sprays sold on social media - what are the risks?
One woman was in hospital "unable to breathe" after suffering a severe reaction to an unlicensed nasal tanning spray she bought online Dangerous and unregulated nasal tanning sprays that have a potential link to the skin cancer melanoma are being widely sold across social media platforms, Trading Standards has warned. Scottish people sometimes go to extremes to get a tan. Whether it's sunbathing for too long on holiday, or ignoring health advice and using sunbeds, some will go to great lengths for a boost in complexion. Scots commonly exhibit pale skin, partly due to their Celtic heritage and partly due to Scotland's northern latitude, which leads to less exposure to sunlight. Some may have darker skin or be able to tan to a greater extent, depending on their genetic makeup. But now a new product is being sold on social media that a darker hue to the skin - but come with great risks. These nasal sprays can cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure and even changes in mole shape and size, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) said. Nasal tanning sprays are designed to be sprayed into the nostrils and claim to work by administering a substance known as Melanotan 2, a chemical that darkens skin pigmentation. It is illegal to sell medicinal products containing Melanotan 2 in the UK, but as the tanners are sold cosmetically they fall outside that remit. However, they are not covered by UK cosmetics regulations, meaning they are not subjected to the same scrutiny as other over-the-counter beauty products. What are dangers of tanning nasal sprays? Studies had shown a potential link to melanoma, a type of skin cancer, the CTSI warned. Inhaling sprays can irritate the respiratory tract, with potential symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and nasal congestion, and repeated exposure can lead to chronic respiratory issues. One woman, Edith Eagle, told the CTSI that she was in hospital "unable to breathe" after suffering a severe reaction to an unlicensed nasal tanning spray she bought online. When explaining her symptoms, Ms Eagle said: 'I can't even explain it, but I was suffocating inside. "It was as if I was drowning within my own body." The long-term health impacts of using the sprays are not yet known. However, Cleveland Clinic identified some immediate and scary risks including: acne decreased appetite gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhoea and vomiting nausea facial flushing (redness) "Melanotan nasal sprays and injections are not safe to use," Cancer Research UK stated. "Melanotan products have not been tested for safety, quality or effectiveness. "So it is not known if using them causes side effects and how serious they are. "Also, Melanotan products could have harmful chemicals in them that aren't listed on the label. "If you have used Melanotan, you should stop. "Talk to your GP if you have shared needles with someone or if you have any concerns about side effects." What are the warnings? The public has been urged to avoid any type of tanning products that are ingested or inhaled. Instead, safer options such as creams and sprays bought from reputable retailers should be used. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "Edith's story is a sobering one, and an example of what can happen when putting unregulated products into our bodies," Richard Knight, CTSI lead officer for cosmetics and beauty, said. "Unlike cosmetic products, nasal tanning sprays are unlikely to have had expert safety assessment, and use of relevant health warnings and instructions for safe use are rare. "This means that no-one, including influencers, can truly know the risks of using these quasi-medical potions."
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Public warned to avoid ‘dangerous' nasal tanning sprays going viral on TikTok
The sprays can cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure and even changes in mole shape and size, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) said. Nasal tanning sprays are designed to be sprayed into the nostrils and claim to work by administering a substance known as Melanotan 2, a chemical that darkens skin pigmentation. Unlike cosmetic products, nasal tanning sprays are unlikely to have had expert safety assessment, and use of relevant health warnings and instructions for safe use are rare Richard Knight, CTSI It is illegal to sell medicinal products containing Melanotan 2 in Ireland and the UK, but as the tanners are sold cosmetically they fall outside that remit. The HSE and the HPRA have previously issued warnings over use of the so- called 'barbie drug'. 'The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) reminds the public that the unregulated substance Melanotan 2 is not safe for use and may cause serious, long-term damage to your health. "Often described as a self-tanning aid, the product is also referred to as Melanotan, Melanotan II or MT2. It is commonly sold as an injectable powder or in the form of drops and nasal sprays. 'The HPRA is also concerned that products containing Melanotan 2 are increasingly being targeted towards young people by using bright colours, flavours, and branding. The HPRA will take action against individuals using social media and e-commerce to advertise and supply Melanotan 2 containing products, including the removal of content and accounts, and prosecution activity when there is significant risk to public health,' the HPRA said in a previous statement on the risks of the chemical. While the long-term health impacts of using the sprays were not yet known, studies had shown a potential link to melanoma, a type of skin cancer, the CTSI warned. Inhaling sprays can irritate the respiratory tract, with potential symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and nasal congestion, and repeated exposure can lead to chronic respiratory issues. The CTSI also flagged an emerging trend for flavoured nasal tanning sprays, drops and gummies, with 'unscrupulous' sellers on Facebook and TikTok posting pictures of the products available in child-friendly flavours such as peach, bubblegum, grape, strawberry and lime. The CTSI said it feared they could become the latest 'must have' products 'leading to a youth epidemic as we saw with disposable vapes'. Nasal tanning sprays are growing in popularity thanks to their promotion by influencers and the products being widely available online. One woman, Edith Eagle, told the CTSI that she was in hospital 'unable to breathe' after suffering a severe reaction to an unlicensed nasal tanning spray she bought online. When explaining her symptoms, Ms Eagle said: 'I can't even explain it, but I was suffocating inside. It was as if I was drowning within my own body.' The CTSI has urged the public to avoid any type of tanning products that are ingested or inhaled and instead use safer options such as creams and sprays bought from reputable retailers. Richard Knight, CTSI lead officer for cosmetics and beauty, said: 'Edith's story is a sobering one, and an example of what can happen when putting unregulated products into our bodies. 'Unlike cosmetic products, nasal tanning sprays are unlikely to have had expert safety assessment, and use of relevant health warnings and instructions for safe use are rare. 'This means that no-one, including influencers, can truly know the risks of using these quasi-medical potions.' Susanna Daniels, chief executive of Melanoma Focus, said: 'We're becoming increasingly concerned about the use of both nasal tanning sprays and tanning injections and their potential links with melanoma skin cancer. 'These unregulated and illegal products not only pose serious health risks but also encourage harmful behaviours, particularly among young consumers. 'We urge the public to consider the long-term impacts on their health and avoid using these substances altogether.' Sunbed Association chairman Gary Lipman said: 'Nasal sprays have absolutely no place in a professional tanning salon. 'We fully support CTSI's campaign to heighten awareness of the dangers of using them. The end goal must be to eradicate access to these illegal and unregulated products.'
ITV News
15-05-2025
- Health
- ITV News
Consumers warned to avoid ‘dangerous' nasal tanning sprays and gummies
Dangerous and unregulated nasal tanning sprays that have a potential link to the skin cancer melanoma are being widely sold across social media platforms, Trading Standards has warned. The sprays can cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure and even changes in mole shape and size, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) said. Nasal tanning sprays are designed to be sprayed into the nostrils and claim to work by administering a substance known as Melanotan 2, a chemical that darkens skin pigmentation. It is illegal to sell medicinal products containing Melanotan 2 in the UK, but as the tanners are sold cosmetically they fall outside that remit. However, they are not covered by UK cosmetics regulations, meaning they are not subjected to the same scrutiny as other over-the-counter beauty products. While the long-term health impacts of using the sprays were not yet known, studies had shown a potential link to melanoma, a type of skin cancer, the CTSI warned. Inhaling sprays can irritate the respiratory tract, with potential symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and nasal congestion, and repeated exposure can lead to chronic respiratory issues. The CTSI also flagged an emerging trend for flavoured nasal tanning sprays, drops and gummies, with 'unscrupulous' sellers on Facebook and TikTok posting pictures of the products available in child-friendly flavours such as peach, bubblegum, grape, strawberry and lime. The CTSI said it feared they could become the latest 'must have' products 'leading to a youth epidemic as we saw with disposable vapes'. Nasal tanning sprays are growing in popularity thanks to their promotion by influencers and the products being widely available online. According to British Beauty Council, the self-tan market is set to hit £746.3 million by 2027. One woman, Edith Eagle, told the CTSI that she was in hospital 'unable to breathe' after suffering a severe reaction to an unlicensed nasal tanning spray she bought online. When explaining her symptoms, Ms Eagle said: 'I can't even explain it, but I was suffocating inside. It was as if I was drowning within my own body.' The CTSI has urged the public to avoid any type of tanning products that are ingested or inhaled and instead use safer options such as creams and sprays bought from reputable retailers. Richard Knight, CTSI lead officer for cosmetics and beauty, said: 'Edith's story is a sobering one, and an example of what can happen when putting unregulated products into our bodies. 'Unlike cosmetic products, nasal tanning sprays are unlikely to have had expert safety assessment, and use of relevant health warnings and instructions for safe use are rare. 'This means that no-one, including influencers, can truly know the risks of using these quasi-medical potions.' Susanna Daniels, chief executive of Melanoma Focus, said: 'We're becoming increasingly concerned about the use of both nasal tanning sprays and tanning injections and their potential links with melanoma skin cancer. 'These unregulated and illegal products not only pose serious health risks but also encourage harmful behaviours, particularly among young consumers. 'We urge the public to consider the long-term impacts on their health and avoid using these substances altogether.' Sunbed Association chairman Gary Lipman said: 'Nasal sprays have absolutely no place in a professional tanning salon. 'We fully support CTSI's campaign to heighten awareness of the dangers of using them. The end goal must be to eradicate access to these illegal and unregulated products.' Consumers can report any suspicious cosmetic product or adverse reaction to Trading Standards immediately by calling the free Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. Consumers in Scotland can contact Consumer Advice Scotland on 0808 164 6000, or Consumerline in Northern Ireland on 0300 123 6262. A recent survey of Trading Standards officers found that unsafe cosmetic products were the biggest emerging threat to UK consumers.
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Brits warned against using 'dangerous' nasal sprays amid cancer fears
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute said the sprays can cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure and even changes in mole shape and size. Alarmingly, studies hint at a connection between these sprays and melanoma Trading Standards has issued a warning over dangerous, unregulated nasal tanning sprays linked to melanoma that have become rife on social media. These hazardous sprays may trigger nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure and disturbing changes in moles, says the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). The controversial nasal tanners are marketed as delivering Melanotan 2 through the nostrils to darken the skin, although selling medicinal products with this substance is outlawed in the UK. Even though they are illegal to sell as medicinal products due to their Melanotan 2 content, these tanning aids dodge UK laws by being sold for cosmetic use instead. Alarmingly, these products bypass the stringent controls mandatory for other beauty items under UK cosmetics regulations. Without a clear picture of the long-term health ramifications, studies hint at a connection between these sprays and melanoma, cautions CTSI. Not only that, using these nasal sprays might aggravate the respiratory system, leading to symptoms from coughs to blocked noses, and could evolve into chronic lung problems upon regular use. Adding to the issue, CTSI has highlighted the rise of tempting flavoured variants – including peach, bubblegum, grape, strawberry, and lime – peddled by "unscrupulous" vendors on Facebook and TikTok, showcasing imagery that might appeal to youngsters. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has issued a stark warning about the dangers of nasal tanning sprays, which are becoming increasingly popular due to influencer promotion and easy online availability. The British Beauty Council predicts that by 2027, the self-tan market could be worth a staggering £746.3 million. Edith Eagle recounted her harrowing experience to the CTSI after an unlicensed nasal tanning spray landed her in hospital, gasping for air. She described her ordeal, saying: "I can't even explain it, but I was suffocating inside. It was as if I was drowning within my own body." The CTSI is strongly advising against the use of any ingestible or inhalable tanning products, recommending safer alternatives like creams and sprays from trusted retailers. Richard Knight, the CTSI's lead officer for cosmetics and beauty, highlighted the risks associated with these unregulated products: "Edith's story is a sobering one, and an example of what can happen when putting unregulated products into our bodies." He further cautioned that nasal tanning sprays often lack professional safety assessments and proper health warnings, making their true risks unknown: "Unlike cosmetic products, nasal tanning sprays are unlikely to have had expert safety assessment, and use of relevant health warnings and instructions for safe use are rare." Knight also pointed out the potential misinformation spread by influencers: "This means that no-one, including influencers, can truly know the risks of using these quasi-medical potions." Susanna Daniels, boss of Melanoma Focus, issued a stark warning, saying: "We're becoming increasingly concerned about the use of both nasal tanning sprays and tanning injections and their potential links with melanoma skin cancer. These unregulated and illegal products not only pose serious health risks but also encourage harmful behaviours, particularly among young consumers. We urge the public to consider the long-term impacts on their health and avoid using these substances altogether." Sunbed Association chief Gary Lipman was unequivocal in his view: "Nasal sprays have absolutely no place in a professional tanning salon. We fully support CTSI's campaign to heighten awareness of the dangers of using them. The end goal must be to eradicate access to these illegal and unregulated products." Should you spot any dubious cosmetic product or suffer an adverse reaction, you can swiftly report it to Trading Standards through the free Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. For those in Scotland, Consumer Advice Scotland is available on 0808 164 6000, while Northern Ireland residents can reach out to Consumerline on 0300 123 6262. A recent survey has spotlighted unsafe cosmetic products as the biggest emerging threat to UK consumers, according to Trading Standards officers. In its fight against hazardous cosmetics, CTSI has rolled out the latest '#CostofBeauty' campaign, drawing attention to safety concerns related to three key products: nail glue, 'professional use' lash lift and tint kits, and the notorious nasal tanning sprays.
The Irish Sun
30-04-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
‘Never worth the risk' health alert as over 1m illegal meds seized here with ‘those profiting having no regard safety'
PUNTERS have been warned not to buy pills online after new stats show over one million units of illegal meds were seized here last year. 3 HPRA's Grainne Power was issued a warning to the public about buying illegal meds Credit: Julien Behal 3 Over one million units of illegal meds were seized here last year Credit: Julien Behal 3 Anabolic steroids, sedatives and erectile dysfunction products are the most detained categories Credit: Julien Behal Grainne Power, Director of Compliance with the HPRA, said anabolic She said: 'While purchasing online is second nature for many of us, when it comes to prescription medicines, people need to ensure that the product is prescribed by a healthcare professional and sourced from a local pharmacy. 'Your pharmacy has sourced medicines from authorised sources for your protection and is an expert in their use. 'Using these prescription medicines without medical supervision or from an unregulated source leaves people unprotected.' Read more in Health A total of 1,000,984 dosage units of falsified and other illegal medicines were seized in 2024. Power said when prescription medicines are bought online in She added: 'The seizure of over one million dosage units of illegal medicines last year highlights the persistent extent of the threats posed by falsified and unauthorised prescription medicines. 'Our investigations and prosecutions have shown that those profiting from illegally supplied medicines have little or no regard for the health and safety of those who use them. Most read in The Irish Sun "While some websites may appear legitimate, many are simply fronts for unlawful activity, putting consumers at serious risk. 'In addition to our enforcement efforts, which target promotion and supply, it is also essential that we continue our efforts to raise public awareness about the dangers of purchasing prescription medicines from unregulated sources. Yearly Detention Figures 2018: 619,213 2019: 1,018,678 2020: 1,610,295 2021: 1,604,589 2022: 956,263 2023: 874,945 2024: 1,000,984 "Increasing awareness of these risks to reduce demand is critically important. 'We understand that there are many reasons why members of the public seek out these illegally supplied products, such as privacy, ease of access, cost, or the belief that their doctor might not deem it appropriate medical use. 'However, regardless of the reason, it is never worth taking a risk when it comes to your health. "We advise anyone who has purchased prescription medicines from unregulated sources to stop using them immediately and to contact their healthcare professional if they have any concerns about their health." Year Botulinum toxin Melanotan 2 Semaglutide Liraglutide Tirzepatide 2020 26 6 0 0 0 2021 394 790 0 8 0 2022 339 950 32 8 0 2023 1,748 1,329 286 253 14 2024 1,709 1,099 1,225 280 57 Units Detained: Special Interest Products
