Fimea warns: do not use injectable peptides purchased online

Peptides are sold online and on social media, and they may be advertised for weight management, muscle growth, recovery or slowing down ageing. Some of the products are injectable, meaning they are intended to be injected through the skin. Do not use such products on your own.

If the product is injected through the skin, it may be considered a medicine in Finland. Medicines should only be used when their quality, safety and efficacy have been assessed. This is not necessarily the case with products purchased online. Medicines should only be purchased from legal sources. In addition, there are restrictions on importing medicines and receiving them by post from abroad.

What are peptides? 

Peptides are small parts of proteins. Some peptides are used in legitimate medicines, such as insulins and certain medicines for diabetes or weight management.

The efficacy, safety and quality of legitimate medicines are checked before use. They are used according to the doctor’s instructions and for the right purpose.

An unauthorised product sold online may contain a different substance than stated on the packaging.

Not all products sold online are intended for humans 

Some online shops describe products with words such as “for research use only”. It means that the product is not intended for human use. Products may still be advertised on social media in a way that makes them seem suitable for supporting, for example, training, bodybuilding or weight loss.

The products may be referred to by names such as BPC-157, TB-500, CJC-1295 or ipamorelin. The claims in advertisements may be based on individual user experiences, animal tests or laboratory studies, rather than on reliable evidence of safe use in humans.

Why may their use be dangerous? 

There is no reliable information on the content, quality and safety of products and research chemicals sold as peptides. Their effect on the body may be unpredictable.

Their possible harmful or long-term effects may not be known. The use of the product may also delay appropriate help if the cause of the health problem cannot be determined in health care. Furthermore, especially when injectable products are used, there is an increased risk of serious health hazards if impurities such as endotoxins have ended up in the product during manufacture.

Do the following 

• Do not order injectable peptides from online shops or through social media or use such products.
• Do not use a product on a person if it is labelled as “for research use only”.
• Do not rely on advertising claims or user experiences when making health-related decisions.
• Buy medicines only from legal pharmacies or legal online pharmacies.
• If you have used a product and develop symptoms, contact healthcare services and tell them what product you have used.

Remember: An illegal product or a product purchased from an unknown source may be a health risk. If a product promises quick results, you should be particularly critical about it.

More information: 

What are peptides? (dopinglinkki.fi, in Finnish)

Ordering medicines online

Criteria for classification as a medicinal product