NSW Health warns of spike in emergency visits from unapproved peptides

NSW Health has reported a significant surge in emergency department presentations linked to the use of unapproved peptide injections. Between July 2025 and September 2026, there were 1,180 presentations, rising from just five cases in July 2025 to 217 in September 2026.

Driven by wellness influencers on social media, these unregulated substances are often marketed for weight loss, muscle gain, and skin tanning. Retatrutide has emerged as the most common product, accounting for 71 per cent of hospital presentations. Patients have presented with severe complications, including liver damage, anaphylaxis, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and severe dehydration. Some reports have even indicated extreme outcomes such as the need for skin grafts or amputations.

Younger demographics are heavily represented, with those aged 16 to 34 making up a substantial portion of the cases. Health Minister Ryan Park warned that the use of these unapproved substances places dangerous pressure on an already stretched public hospital system. Medical experts have cautioned that because these products are sold through an online black market, the exact chemical contents of the vials are unknown, making the practice highly unpredictable.