Urgent warning over illegal ‘Barbie drug’ TikTok trend

Doctors are warning against the use of an illegal nasal spray to boost the tanning process.

While Melanotan-II was researched as a recognised medication, doctors warn it was never approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and its use is illegal in Australia.

However, the spray — nicknamed the “Barbie drug” — is being touted by some on social media platforms such as TikTok, where users claim a simple spray up each nostril every day for a fortnight enables people to achieve a natural tan that lasts up to six months.

Doctors warn the risks of the spray can include skin cancer and neurological conditions.

Dermatologist Dr Shammi Theesan told Sunrise viewers on Friday that the key ingredient is “a synthetic peptide that stimulates your melanocyte, that makes you produce more pigment”.

“There’s nothing safe or natural about it. It’s synthetic. It’s illegal. (There’s) no control over the production, the sterility,” Theesan warned.

“This is going right into your blood stream, when you sniff it up your nose. So, it has kind of far-reaching consequences.”

Host Edwina Bartholomew remarked: “Our producers were checking online — you can buy it here even though you are not supposed to be able to.”

She then asked Theesan what were the most common and most serious health risks associated with using the nasal spray.

“Common health risks would include fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, flushing ... neurological symptoms like spontaneous erections, persistent erections, crazy amounts of uncontrolled tanning that can happen and an irregular tan, headaches,” Theesan said.

“I’m more concerned about the serious side-effects like kidney issues or liver issues. For example, there is this condition called renal infarction where you have an aberration or disruption to your blood supply to your kidney.

“So, there’s some really serious side-effects here.

“As a dermatologist what worries all of us is the increased risk of skin cancers. So, you have an increased risk of sun-induced skin cancers. People are staying out in the sun a lot longer to get the bronzed look.

“Certainly, if you have any early skin cancer cells that are grumbling, this can make the progression a lot worse.”

Bartholomew asked: “What should someone do if they have already used the spray and are concerned about that?”

“I would say see your GP, stop it right away,” Theesan replied.

“Symptoms should become better. Do some blood tests to make sure there’s no damage to your key organs like your liver and your kidneys.”