Banned Tanning Drugs 'Sold on North East High Streets
In the News
Makers of Xtreme Rapido nasal spray claim it contains Melanotan, a chemical that over-stimulates pigment production and turns skin brown.
As it is an unlicensed medicine while it is not illegal to buy it, it is illegal to market and sell it in UK.
But undercover reporters from the BBC Inside Out programme were able to buy the spray at high street premises.
These included barber shops and beauty salons in County Durham and Tyneside.
The Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said: "Melanotan is not a licensed medicine and therefore its quality and safety has not been tested.
"No information is held on where or how it is made nor what it contains."
This is scary how far people will go for a tan, I'm a little apprehensive of sun beds, think I'll stick to be pale
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