In 2002 the media reported that the demand for synthetic melanocortin analogues melanotan I and melanotan II (melanotans) was likely to increase in the general population.1 This was mainly because of their ability to tan the skin, and—in the case of melanotan II—induce penile erections and increase sexual desire.2 In 2008, several workers at needle and syringe programmes in the United Kingdom contacted the substance use team at the Centre for Public Health, Liverpool, for information on “melanotan” after their clients reported injecting these drugs. Over the next year around 30 needle and syringe programmes in England and Wales and several drug workers and drug and alcohol action team commissioners have sought our advice in relation to the use of these drugs within the general population.

The prevalence of the use of these drugs is unknown. Even though the drugs are unlicensed they are easily available through online shops (including, until recently, eBay.co.uk) and are also sold and administered in tanning salons, beauty parlours, and hairdressers (personal communication …