Victoria health authorities warn of anaphylaxis linked to black-market peptides

Victorian health authorities have issued a warning following a cluster of life-threatening allergic reactions linked to the use of unregulated, black-market peptides. Since July 2025, at least 13 Victorians have experienced anaphylaxis after using these substances, with more than half of those cases treated in emergency departments within the last two months.

Victorian Chief Health Officer Dr. Caroline McElnay stated that the state’s mandatory anaphylaxis notification system has flagged this as a clear public health hazard. These illegal substances are frequently promoted on social media to teenagers and adults for purposes including weight loss, muscle growth, anti-ageing, and performance enhancement.

While the reported cases in Victoria are a primary concern, data from New South Wales shows 1,180 emergency department visits linked to unapproved peptide use between July 2025 and September of this year. Dr. McElnay has reported the incidents to the Therapeutic Goods Administration, noting that the recorded cases may only represent a fraction of the actual impact.