Melanotan II (Tan Jabs): Why They're Not Worth The Risk No, you don't need the 'Barbie drug' to tan, whatever TikTok says. Here's why melanotan II is so risky Experts lash use of popular social media sun tanning drug Melanotan Viral 'Barbie drug' for tanning can cause brain swelling and even cancer, experts warn It's a week of trending media talk about the dangers of Melanotan. I remember fielding a media interview about Melanotan 7 8 years ago. This trend has been around for a while, but October 2017 VOL. 14, ED 3. by PeningtonInstitute Issuu