Health authorities have issued a warning regarding the use of an unapproved weight loss drug known as the “Godzilla” jab, linked to serious liver complications. The injection, containing the peptide retrutide, remains in clinical trials and has not received regulatory approval. Despite this, it is being sold illegally online and promoted for purposes such as muscle growth, fat loss, and anti-ageing.

Since January, six cases of acute liver toxicity associated with retrutide have been reported in Victoria, Australia. At least one user required emergency hospitalisation due to life-threatening liver failure. One individual, 32-year-old Megan Hancocks, recounted being offered the injection during a beauty appointment, followed shortly by severe liver issues necessitating urgent medical care.

Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd has strongly discouraged the public from using the unlicensed product, emphasizing the health risks and the illegality of its distribution. Authorities remain concerned about the growing availability of such products online, which bypass standard safety checks and regulatory oversight.

The retrutide jab is currently undergoing clinical evaluation and has not been approved for consumer use. Medical experts warn that unregulated use of experimental substances can result in unpredictable and potentially fatal adverse effects, including liver toxicity. Health officials are urging anyone who has received the injection and experiences symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, or unusual fatigue to seek immediate medical attention.