Health leaders have sounded the alarm on a growing public health risk linked to unapproved peptide use.
It follows a spate of adverse events including liver toxicity, severe allergic reactions, inflammation and other health complications requiring medical attention.
The Victorian Department of Health has reported six cases of acute liver toxicity associated with an unapproved peptide product called retatrutide.
No adverse events have been reported in Western Australia at this stage, but WA Health is continuing to monitor the situation.
In a joint statement outlining the risks to public safety, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warned counterfeit products were often deliberately designed to mimic genuine medicines, making it difficult for consumers to identify unsafe or potentially harmful goods.
The products have not been tested by the TGA for safety or efficacy and often include BPC‑157, GHK‑Cu, TB‑500, retatrutide and CJC‑1295.
Professor Kidd said: “Unapproved peptide products pose a growing public health risk. Some of these products have not undergone sufficient human clinical trials and may cause significant harm.
“Australians should not use these products and should seek advice from their trusted healthcare professional.”
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Health practitioners are advised to be alert for patients with abnormal liver function tests or any sign of acute liver injury.
Patients have also experienced symptoms including tiredness or malaise, jaundice, abdominal pain, dark urine and abdominal bruising, according to Victoria Health.
If a patient presents with any of these concerns, health practitioners should ask about any peptide use, the product name and dose taken.
Australia’s Acting Chief Medical Adviser Dr Amanda Cuss the TGA is actively monitoring and responding to potential non-compliance, including unlawful importation, supply and advertising of therapeutic goods.
“Unapproved peptide products have been added as a priority focus area for the TGA compliance. Where serious non-compliance is identified, the TGA may take regulatory action in line with its regulatory compliance framework.”
Many of the products are supplied as powders or injections in poorly labelled or unmarked vials, making it difficult or impossible to verify their ingredients, or the safety of how they have been manufactured.
This presents further significant risks to consumer safety, including potential contamination, dosing uncertainty, and exposure to unknown or harmful substances, the TGA warned.
Evidence of potential harm continues to emerge as use of these unapproved products increases.
Health practitioners can report an adverse event or safety problem here.
Or report counterfeit or unregulated products here.
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