Dermatologist warns about using ‘Barbie drug’ for tanning

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM/Gray News) - A physician is warning about the use of a synthetic chemical known as the “Barbie Drug,” which is injected to get a tan.

It’s called Melanotan II or MTII and has since gone viral on social media.

The tanning peptide is said to be administered through an injection and is something that has been portrayed as being 100% safe.

But Hattiesburg Clinic dermatologist Hannah Roberts Badon says those interested in using the tanning option might want to rethink the drug because of its side effects.

“Melonatan II can be associated with nausea, increased facial flushing and sexual side effects,” Badon said. “There’s also been several reports of abscesses at the site of injection.”

Badon added that things seen on social media that sound too good to be true generally are.

“There are side effects to every medication, even approved medications, but when things are being touted as 100 percent safe, or you get all these great results, there’s usually something fishy going on,” Badon said.

Critics of MTII say it is largely unregulated and lacks standards for purity, sterility and dosing.