Tan jab ‘linked to mole changes’
A ‘tan jab’ which is being sold illegally could be responsible for rapidly-changing moles, skin experts have warned.
Two women recently attended a dermatology clinic with significant changes to moles and a deep tan, despite their fair skin type.
Writing in the British Medical Journal, dermatology experts point out that both patients were sunbed users and had injected the unlicensed drug Melanotan shortly before the alterations were noticed.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency recently advised consumers to be cautious about the drug, as it had not been tested for safety, quality or effectiveness and its side-effects were unknown.
A spokeswoman said: "This drug is not licensed anywhere in the world. We don’t know what the short or long-term side effects are because there have been no thorough clinical trials carried out."
In related news, it was recently reported that cancer patients in the UK can now apply for free prescriptions on the NHS.
The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with cancer
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