Doctors Sound Alarm Over TikTok’s Nasal Spray Craze
Nicknamed the “Barbie Drug” due to its pink packaging and claims of providing a sunless, bronzed tan, Melanotan II has gained popularity online—particularly on platforms like TikTok. This lab-engineered substance imitates the body’s natural alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), which boosts melanin production in the skin. However, health professionals are sounding alarms about the dangers of using it, warning that this unregulated product poses serious health risks.
Despite its rising popularity, Melanotan II is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any other major regulatory body. In fact, many countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, and New Zealand, have deemed the substance illegal to sell. Originally developed as a potential cancer preventative, the product has since been banned in numerous regions and has even been the subject of criminal investigations. Nevertheless, it’s being sold through unofficial channels, often via social media, in the form of sprays, injections, pills, and creams.
What makes Melanotan II particularly dangerous is not just its lack of oversight, but also its unpredictable and harmful side effects. BBC News reported that many of these products contain undisclosed ingredients—sometimes over 100 unknown compounds—and may be contaminated or inconsistently dosed. Some users have experienced mild symptoms like headaches and nausea, while others have reported severe complications including skin changes, heart issues, brain swelling, and even life-threatening conditions like melanoma and rhabdomyolysis.
Although platforms like TikTok have banned hashtags and sales related to Melanotan II, influencers and celebrities continue to promote it subtly, often pairing its use with tanning beds to amplify the effect. This trend has led to a surge in hospital visits, with users reporting serious allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, and the sudden appearance of abnormal moles. One user described the experience as feeling like she was “drowning from the inside.”
Health experts strongly discourage the use of Melanotan II, urging the public to steer clear of this unapproved and potentially lethal product. They emphasize that the desire for a tanned appearance should never come at the cost of one’s health.
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