AM in tan injection concerns
19 Tachwedd 2008
Following reports in this morning’s press that an increasing number of people are injecting themselves with an unlicensed tanning drug, Plaid AM for South Wales West, Bethan Jenkins, has urged people not to use the drug until more research is done.
Melanotan is still undergoing clinical trials but is sold illegally online and in salons and gyms, Newsbeat reports. It is a synthetic hormone which stimulates the body’s production of melanin, a substance that gives the skin its colour. Experts are worried that the long-term effects are not yet known.
Speaking from Neath today, Ms Jenkins said:
“According to the government’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Melanotan has not yet been tested for its effectiveness or its safety. A major concern is that the manner in which this drug is administered through injections means that it is bypassing the body’s first level of defence.
“This drug is illegal and we have no idea of the long-term effect taking this drug can have on people’s health. I understand that one side effect being reported is a loss of appetite. This could lead to serious health problems for people in the future.
“We must also be conscious of the dangers of using needles. I am concerned that an increase in the use of this drug could lead to needle-sharing and the blood-related diseases it can result in.
“Until proper research is carried out, I would urge people not to use what remains after all, an illegal drug.”
