Is Melanotan II (Afamelanotide) nasal spray safe to use for tanning? Your body already makes a hormone that tells your skin to tan. Melanotan 2 is a synthetic peptide engineered to mimic that hormone but in a version that's more potent and Viral 'Barbie drug' for tanning can cause brain swelling and even cancer, experts warn Emerging Threat: Melanotan, Repackaging, and Online Sales Australians who use tanning products containing 'melanotan' are at risk of serious health problems. These products include nasal sprays and other injectable and ingestible tanning products, and are being illegally promoted and Australians who use tanning products containing 'melanotan' are at risk of serious health problems. These products include nasal sprays and other injectable and ingestible tanning products, and are being illegally promoted and