PEPTIDE use has led to a sharp increase in emergency department presentations in the State, according to NSW Health.
Surveillance data shows 1180 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’ve been marketed through social media as promoting weight loss, promoting injury repair – even reversing ageing.
“A professional-looking website, a label, purity claim, reviews, or influencer endorsement is not proof of what is inside the product,” NSW Health Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said.
“Products may claim to contain peptides such as BPC‑157, GHK‑Cu, TB‑500, retatrutide and CJC‑1295. None of these peptides is 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.
“The contents and strength may also vary between products carrying the same label,” Dr Chant said.
“Even products that appear professionally packaged or claim to have been tested for purity may not be safe.”
When a patient with serious illness likely due to peptide use is identified, NSW Health works with the Therapeutic Goods Administration and law enforcement agencies to investigate the source of the product.
“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,” Dr Chant said.
“NSW Health will respect your privacy and confidentiality and will not disclose identifying information unless authorised.”
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