Peptides
- Many peptides are not approved for use and have not been assessed as safe or effective.
- Seek advice from a health practitioner if you are considering buying or using an unapproved peptide product.
- Even peptides prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacist can carry health risks.
- Seek urgent medical attention if you are experiencing unusual or unexpected symptoms from using a peptide product.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. In the body, peptides play important roles in many natural processes, including growth, metabolism, tissue repair and hormone signalling.
Peptide products are being widely promoted online, including through social media for purposes such as:
- weight loss
- muscle growth
- anti-ageing
- improved athletic performance
- enhanced mental focus
However, many products marketed for these purposes are not approved for use in Australia. Because these products have not been assessed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) (external site), there is no assurance that these claimed benefits are supported by reliable scientific evidence. There are also concerns about how these products are made, including whether injectable products are sterile.
Unapproved peptide products are commonly purchased online, through social media accounts or from friends and acquaintances, often without medical supervision.
In Australia, peptide products are regulated as prescription medicines and must be prescribed by a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Prescription medicines, such as peptides, should only be purchased from a registered pharmacy or supplied by a doctor or nurse practitioner.
If you are thinking about buying or using any peptide product you should first seek advice from your General Practitioner or Pharmacist.
The safest option is not to buy or use unapproved peptide products.
Health risks when using unapproved peptide products
Unapproved peptide products may pose serious health risks, even if prescribed and supplied by a health practitioner.
Peptide products can cause side effects, interact with other medicines and may lead to both short-term and long-term health problems.
Unapproved peptide products can carry significant safety concerns, particularly when they are self-administered by injection. Potential risks include:
- Contamination due to poor manufacturing practices
- Infection at the injection site
- Damage to surrounding tissue
- Severe allergic or other potentially life-threatening reactions
- Possible liver toxicity and other organ-related harms
The TGA has published information about the risks associated with peptide products:
When to get help
Seek prompt medical attention if you develop unusual or unexpected symptoms after using a peptide product. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
Symptoms that require medical attention include
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe swelling
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
- Persistent tiredness or malaise
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Abdominal pain
- Intense itching
- Dark urine
- Unexplained bruising
- Fever
- Pain, redness or swelling where the product was injected.
For advice on suspected poisonings or adverse effects linked to unapproved peptide products, contact the Western Australian Poisons Information Centre 24/7 on 13 11 26.
Where to get help
Last reviewed: 03-11-2026
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.