Experts issue urgent warning against popular new tanning 'drug' that could cause brain swelling and cancer

Experts are issuing a dire warning about a possible 'toxic' tanning drug as it could cause some serious health complications.

Melanotan II, nicknamed the 'Barbie drug', has grown in popularity on social media and by beauty gurus as the nasal spray vows to give users a perfect, natural tan.

Fans of the pink-packaged spray claim a dose, taken in a spray up the nose, gives them a bronze glow from the inside out.

However, medical experts are warning there is little natural about the untested synthetic drug, which is a version of the peptide α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, reports the New York Post.

As the hormone is responsible for melanin production, the drug has also been linked to a list of some worrying side effects, from nausea and brain swelling to cancer.

It can also alter the size and pigmentation of moles, spark new moles and cause facial flushing, as well as abdominal cramps, vomiting and chest pain.

The spray could be dangerous (Getty Images)

Melanotan II has also been linked to rhabdomyolysis, more commonly referred to as 'rhabdo,' where muscle tissue breaks down and releases a toxin into the bloodstream which can provoke kidney failure.

When taken by men, they risk priapism, a prolongued and painful erection of their penis that is not caused by sexual activity which, if left untreated, can cause permanent damage.

Dr Jennifer Levine, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, told the news outlet: "People always want to be tan, especially during the summer."

"The Barbie movie has also added to the ‘beach’ trend.”

Yet Melanotan II has not been approved by the FDA, prompting concerns that it falls below regulatory standards.

There could be a variability in its dosages, as well as unidentified or undeclared ingredients, plus possible microbial contamination.

Unaware of its apparent dangers, Eidth Eagle told the BBC she had purchased and used nasal tanners before jetting off on a trip to the Canary Islands.

Yet on her second day of vacation, she was raced to hospital with an allergic reaction.

Skin cancer kills thousands of Americans every year (Getty Images)

Eagle said she felt like she was 'suffocating inside' and 'drowning' in her own body and is now urging others and governments around the world to adopt a 'zero tolerance approach'.

If that's not enough to put you off, consider that the UK, Australia and the US among several other countries have issued warnings to users.

TikTok even took a stand, banning hashtags that refer to it such as #tanningnasalspray, #melanotan and #melanotan2.

Yet such warnings have clearly fallen on deaf ears, as black market supplies continue to distribute the drug in various forms, from injectables to tablets, cream and the nose spray.

The fresh warning comes after a study published last year found social media has been the driving force behind unlicensed sales of the drug, and despite some platforms banning it, fans have been getting around it by posting it under different names or hashtags.

The American Cancer Society further warns 8,000 people in the US die of melanoma every year - so people should be aware of the risks before they hit the beach.