Unapproved Weight-Loss Drug Causes Severe Liver Damage in Melbourne Patients

Senior doctors in Melbourne are issuing a stark warning about the dangers of using an unapproved injectable drug marketed as "retatrutide" for weight loss. Multiple patients have suffered severe liver damage and other serious illnesses after taking the substance, which has not received approval from any major drug regulatory bodies, including the US Food and Drug Administration and Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Victoria's chief health officer issued a health alert, confirming the health department is aware of six cases of acute liver toxicity linked to the unapproved peptide product. The drug, often referred to as "reta" on social media, attracts users with the promise of faster results than currently available prescription weight-loss medications. However, medical professionals emphasize that anyone purchasing a substance labeled as retatrutide is acquiring a black market counterfeit.

Megan Hancocks, a 32-year-old woman, became interested in "reta" after seeing content on TikTok and Instagram. She obtained the drug, along with another peptide for skin, from a clinician during a beauty appointment. Despite initial hesitation due to the lack of medical advice and uncertainty about dosage, Hancocks administered the first dose on December 24 and a second on December 28. Less than a week later, she was hospitalized with acute liver failure.

“

I was quite small looking back now, but obviously your mind tells you otherwise.

Hancocks spent approximately a month at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in January and has faced multiple subsequent hospitalizations. Her symptoms included severe jaundice, persistent nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue, and abdominal swelling. At one point, doctors discussed the possibility of a liver transplant. Miraculously, her condition improved, and she avoided the transplant, but she continues to undergo treatment with steroids for liver repair and experiences recurring hospital visits.

The physical toll has been immense, with Hancocks reporting weight gain, skin sores from treatment, and hair loss. "When I look in the mirror, I don't see the same person anymore, and that's been really hard," she shared. The experience has significantly impacted her mental well-being, and she is currently unable to work, living with her mother.

“

When I look in the mirror I don't see the same person anymore and that's been really hard.