DOCTORS are warning people not to use an 'injectable tan' being sold illegally on the internet.

They believe young people are buying the injections of Melanotan in the belief it is healthier than using sun beds.

But the drug, which increases the production of melanin a natural substance produced by the body as part of the tanning process, has not been safety tested.

The government's medicines watchdog, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, has warned about side-effects that include hot flushes, nausea and a lack of appetite.

Stacey Boardman, 27, a beauty salon owner from Rochdale, has been using the injections, along with dozens of her friends, for two months.

Colour

She said: "You have about 10 injections and you take an injection every day and you should have a nice tan and if you want to go darker you just carry on taking it for more than 10 days. Once you've got that initial tan, you just do it once a week to keep the colour that you're happy with.

"Now I've started using it and seen the difference it makes I'll carry on using it until I hear something different."

Because the injections have not been properly tested it is illegal to sell them in this county but they are widely advertised and sold on the internet.

David Carter, from the agency, said: "We are warning people not to use this product. Don't be fooled into thinking that Melanotan offers a shortcut to a safer and more even tan.

"The safety of these products is unknown and they are unlicensed in the UK. The side effects could be extremely serious. Do not use them and if you have any concerns, you should seek advice from your doctor."

A spokesman for the British Skin Foundation said: "There are other ways to get a tan without the risks of using an unregulated product."