Health office warns against tanning drug

LONDON, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- British residents craving a suntan are jeopardizing their health by injecting themselves with an illegal tanning drug, health officials said Monday.

Supporters say melanotan fools the skin into producing a deep tan and protects the skin against the sun's burning rays, but it never passed rigorous safety checks and trials before reaching the market and there's no proof it works, The Daily Mail reported. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency issued a warning Monday on the drug that can cost up to $500 but has never been licensed for use in Britain.

The lack of research means not enough is known about the drug, sold under the names Melanotan I and Melanotan II, health officials said. People injecting themselves also risk contracting HIV or other viruses if they use dirty needles. Users inject themselves daily until their skin has reached the desired color.

"We are warning people not to use this product," said David Carter, head of the agency's unit for questionable drugs. "Don't be fooled into thinking Melanotan offers a shortcut to a safer and more even tan to hit the market and there is no firm proof that it works."