NSW Health is warning the community about the risks of using unapproved peptide products following a sharp increase in emergency department presentations associated with their use.
New NSW Health surveillance data shows 1,180 presentations to NSW emergency departments associated with peptide use between 1 July 2025 and 30 September 2026.
Monthly presentations increased from just five in July 2025 to more than 217 presentations in September 2026, with presentations previously very rare.
People may use unapproved peptides hoping to achieve "wellness" - they have been marketed through social media as promoting weight loss, promoting injury repair or even reversing ageing.
Products may claim to contain peptides such as BPC‑157, GHK‑Cu, TB‑500, retatrutide and CJC‑1295. None of these peptides are currently approved in Australia for any purpose.
NSW Health is urging people not to buy or use unapproved products, particularly those promoted through social media, online retailers, overseas suppliers or informal sellers.
These products may contain unknown or harmful substances, be incorrectly labelled or contain different strengths or ingredients than advertised, posing serious risks to people's health.
Even products that appear professionally packaged or claim to have been tested for purity may not be safe.
NSW Health continues to monitor peptide-associated harm through emergency department presentations, calls to the NSW Poisons Information Centre and reports of serious illness from clinicians, including kidney damage and liver injury.
When a patient with serious illness likely due to peptide use is identified, NSW Health works with the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and where relevant, law enforcement agencies, to investigate the source of the product.
While it is the responsibility of the Therapeutic Goods Administration to test products for quality or safety, NSW Health leverages the information to support health professionals and increase public awareness about peptide products.
To reduce the risk of harms related to peptide use, NSW Health advises the community to:
- Talk about your health goals with your usual doctor. There may be safe, evidence-based options available.
- Only use approved peptide products that have been prescribed by a qualified health practitioner in Australia, you should be able to have a conversation with that practitioner and they should be willing to discuss care other than peptides.
- Check with the prescriber that the product is a registered medicine with the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
- If you are already using an unprescribed peptide product, speak with a qualified health professional before taking the next dose to ensure it is a registered medicine, and seek advice on whether it is safe for you to use.
People should also tell their treating health professional if they are using peptide products, particularly before surgery or other treatment, as serious complications can occur when combined with other medicines. NSW Health will respect your privacy and confidentiality and will not disclose identifying information unless authorised. If someone is unconscious or having difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
If you or someone you know has made an error with medication or are experiencing any adverse symptoms, call the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26, 24 hours a day for immediate advice.
More information on peptide products can be found on the NSW Health website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"We know that using these unapproved substances can come with real health risks, but it's particularly alarming to see the growing pressure they're placing on our health system.
"Even when a product looks professional or comes in convincing packaging, that does not guarantee it is safe for use.
"I'm urging the community to be mindful of the potential long-term harms of unprescribed peptides, and speak with their GP for safe, evidence-based health advice.
Quotes attributable toNSW Health Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant:
"A professional looking website, a label, purity claim, reviews, or influencer endorsement is not proof of what is inside the product.
"The contents and strength may also vary between products carrying the same label.
"We encourage people to discuss the risks, benefits and safer alternatives to products they see advertised with their usual general practitioner or qualified healthcare provider."
