NSW hospitals flooded with unapproved peptide overdoses
NSW emergency departments treated 1,180 people for unapproved peptide use over 15 months, with monthly cases rocketing from five to 220.
NSW Health data shows a surge in emergency visits linked to unapproved peptides promoted online as weight loss and muscle aids. Between July 2025 and September 2026, 1,180 people went to NSW emergency rooms.
Monthly cases jumped from just five in July 2025 to almost 220 last month. Peptides are short chains of amino acids.
Unregulated versions sold on social media promise weight loss, anti-ageing and muscle growth. Health Minister Ryan Park warned that unapproved peptides can cause liver damage, kidney damage, severe allergic reactions and dangerous vomiting.
Unapproved types include BPC-157, GHK-Cu, TB-500, retatrutide and CJC-1295. People are urged to speak with a GP before using any peptide product.
- 1,180 people
- Emergency visits July 2025-September
- 5
- Monthly cases July 2025
- 220
- Monthly cases September 2026
Why it mattersUnapproved peptides are causing serious medical emergencies, straining NSW hospital systems and risking public health.
AustraliaNSW hospitals are now managing a sharp rise in patients harmed by unapproved peptides, and the trend suggests the issue may spread across other Australian states.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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