News: Potentially dangerous, injectable tanning drug being used in B.C. | Blog

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News: Potentially dangerous, injectable tanning drug being used in B.C.

“Tanned, fit and turned on” may sound like the tagline for Jersey Shore, but it’s actually something much worse (and I thought that was impossible): A sales pitch for an injectable drug that promises a year-round tan.

It’s a pitch that, sadly, seems to be working—at least in B.C., where dermatologists say the drug is being used, despite not being approved by Health Canada.

Melanotan II (aka the ‘Barbie Drug’) may sound like an ideal workaround for those who want a permanent tan without the harmful effects of tanning beds, but it could have the same negative consequences.

Research shows that some users’ moles have become more atypical looking, while others have developed clusters of new moles, Dr. Jason Rivers told CTV. "It is possible that people who are prone to skin cancer may be harmed by these products, not helped."

The Canadian Cancer Society also warns against injectable tanning products on their website.

“Oral tanning products (also known as tanning pills) and injectable tanning products are considered to be drugs. Health Canada has not approved the use of any of these products for tanning purposes. Until they have been reviewed and experts believe they are safe, these products should be avoided.”

The health warnings and possibility of negative effects doesn’t seem to be as interesting to users as the ‘positive’ ones though, which some users say have included a decrease in appetite and in increase in erections in men.

Being skinny and tanned with a great sex life? Tempting. Injecting a drug that carries a potential skin cancer risk? Not so much.

What do you think? Have you tried, or would you try, oral or injectable tanning products?

-Katharine Watts, Associate Web Editor

Posted by onThursday, May 10th, 2012 - 12:12pm

6 Comments

I have never heard of anyone dying from skin cancer - but every other cancer YES and lots of them. ODDS of dying from and getting breast cancer 1-9, the odds of getting skin cancer and dying 1-100,000 if you indoor tan your odds increase to 1.75 -100,000 (75% increase) but still alot better then 1-9. Yet the lack of vitamin D is being contributed to causing such cancers as breast, prostate and colon. Therefore you do the math - tanning smartly, in moderation, never overexpose or burn get your vitamin D the NATURAL WAY and live a longer and healthier life.

Submitted by babalious on Tue, 2012-05-15 1:22pm.

I don't BELIEVE it!......but I should. Yes, I used to try and tan (have fair skin) years ago - telling my age when I had baby oil and tin foil! Tanning beds a bit. I never go near anything like that anymore......yes a LIGHT tan looks quite nice - occasionally I use Tan Towels. But you know, I actually really dislike that dark brown tan and so many celebs and people I see with the spray on's look SO phoney. I have porcelain skin (with a few brown spots from tanning years ago). Beware people, I have numerous lasers to have them removed, but the type I have are deep and won't go away. I don't mind being white in the summer - so be it.

Submitted by Pirjo on Thu, 2012-05-10 6:38pm.

This drug has been around for a few years that I know of all over probably even longer in the body building world. How the media is behind the time.

Submitted by Johnny V on Thu, 2012-05-10 6:23pm.

has anybody ever heard of someone dying of skin cancer?? its not breast or colon cancer its just measly skin cancer!
but thanks for letting me know that tan-pills and tan-injections exist!!!
googling an online supplier as we speak...

Submitted by el guille on Thu, 2012-05-10 6:17pm.

Let the stupid and shallow put themselves at risk.

Submitted by NoBarbie on Thu, 2012-05-10 4:38pm.

People should be happy with their natural beauty. We're all different, and chances are if you're using unsafe drugs to change the way you look, it is indicative of larger problems. Great article. Really interesting!

Submitted by Rachael on Thu, 2012-05-10 3:36pm.

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