Victoria sees rise in anaphylaxis cases linked to illegal peptide injections
Health officials warn that unregulated peptides sold online are causing an increase in life-threatening allergic reactions and other serious side effects in Victoria.
Emergency departments in Victoria are treating a growing number of patients who have suffered anaphylaxis after using unapproved peptide injectables that are promoted on social media. Data from the state’s mandatory anaphylaxis notification system show at least 13 cases since July 2025, with more than half occurring in the past two months.
Victorian Chief Health Officer Dr Caroline McElnay said the cluster signals a clear public-health hazard and that the reported cases likely represent only a fraction of the total, as milder reactions may go untreated. She warned that unapproved products can contain unknown or contaminated ingredients and variable peptide strengths.
Associate Professor Mark Putland, director of emergency medicine at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, described two recent patients, aged 30 to 50, who experienced typical anaphylaxis symptoms such as breathing difficulty, wheezing, dizziness and vomiting. He explained that protein-based peptides that have not undergone safety testing can trigger immune responses.
Dr Darcy Holt, a gastroenterologist in Melbourne, noted an increase in patients with severe side effects, including abdominal pain and elevated liver enzymes, linked to peptides like retatrutide. He said the substances have become normalized among some users.
National Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd previously warned that black-market peptides pose a growing public-health risk because many have not completed human clinical trials. The Therapeutic Goods Administration has cautioned that advertising, importing, manufacturing or selling unapproved peptides can result in fines or criminal prosecution. Recent law-enforcement action in New South Wales seized more than $120,000 worth of illegal peptides and anabolic steroids linked to a social-media influencer.
Authorities are urging people to stop using unapproved peptides and to seek immediate medical care if they experience signs of anaphylaxis such as collapse, breathing difficulty or facial swelling.