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The Barbie drug, Melanotan 2 is a drug that is being injected into the body to increase the production of skin-darkening pigments, thus creating a tanned skin tone. However, this drug has been illegally imported to Australia and was found out to cause cancer, pains in the back, liver, and kidney and death.

Melanotan 2 is being sold online on Australian websites like GumTree.  Although the drug has been around for years, recent studies reveal that it can be damaging to people who have been using it without a skin condition, News Australia reports. The drug was initially made for people who lack pigment or have skin issues.

The fact that the drug is being sold online also increases the risk of the side-effects that it may bring because consumers will never know where it was manufactured or if the drug is indeed the real deal.

Australian Medical Association Vice President Tony Bartone reveals that there is no safe way to acquire a tan. Even spray tans can trigger skin reactions too. Incidences wherein black abscesses in the skin and malignant moles were also linked to the use of Melanotan 2.

WebMD describes Melanotan 2 as a lab-made chemical that possesses a hormone similar to that found in humans. When used, it can produce an erection in men with erectile dysfunction, tan the skin and prevent skin cancer caused by too much exposure to the sun. However, it is considered as a possibly safe option when used under medical supervision because it can trigger nausea, flushing, tiredness, darkened skin and other side effects.

Safety concerns about the use of the Barbie Drug are being raised by the Cancer Council Australia as well as the Therapeutic Goods Association. With the risks and dangers that come with using Melanotan 2, such as vomiting, pains and skin cancer, regulation and proper use of the tanning pill are being implemented to avoid abuse and improper use of the substance.