Unapproved ibutamoren capsules (MK-677) found to contain undisclosed anabolic steroid

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is advising consumers that ‘Pharmatech’ branded MK-677 capsules (containing ibutamoren) may pose a serious risk to your health and should not be taken.

TGA Laboratory testing of ‘Pharmatech’ branded MK-677 capsules found that the capsules contained undeclared metandienone (also known as methandrostenolone), which is marketed under the trade name Dianabol.

The product label stated each capsule contained 15 mg of ibutamoren. Metandienone was not declared on the label.

Pharmatech MK-677 capsules are not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods and have not been assessed by the TGA for quality, safety or efficacy, as required under Australian legislation.

Metandienone is an anabolic steroid and ibutamoren is a growth hormone releasing substance.

No product containing either metandienone or ibutamoren have been approved by the TGA for supply in Australia. This means that the TGA has not assessed products containing these ingredients for safety, quality and efficacy.

Using ibutamoren or metandienone either alone or in combination with other medicines, may lead to serious health risks, including:

• cardiovascular events
• liver damage
• hormonal disturbances
• metabolic effects, including effects on blood sugar
• psychiatric and neurological effects.

We urge consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing unapproved products, whether buying online or in retail stores. These products:

• may be fake
• may contain undisclosed or harmful ingredients
• may not meet the same standards of quality, safety and efficacy as those approved by us for supply in Australia
• may be available for sale despite not being approved for supply in Australia.

Supplying unapproved products that contain undisclosed metandienone, such as Pharmatech MK-677, is illegal under Australian therapeutic goods legislation.

The TGA regularly undertakes compliance and enforcement action against suspected unlawful advertising, importation, manufacture, supply and possession of therapeutic goods. Significant criminal and civil penalties apply to such unlawful conduct. 

Information for consumers

• Stop using Pharmatech MK-677 capsules and take any remaining product to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.
• If you have any concerns arising from your use of this product, consult your health care practitioner.
• If you suspect you have had a side effect (also known as an adverse event) to this or a similar medicine, report it to the TGA. 
• If you are considering purchasing medicines from overseas watch this short video on the risks associated with buying medicines and medical devices online.

Action we are taking

Pharmatech MK-677 capsules were located during an ongoing investigation.

Our investigation and compliance activities identify therapeutic goods that compromise the health and safety of consumers. Our investigations attempt to locate the source or supply of this material and work with the parties involved to remove the products form the market. We can make applications to the court for counterfeit products to be seized and disposed of.

For more information on the types of actions we may take in instances of substantiated non-compliance, please see the Compliance and enforcement hub on the TGA website.

Report counterfeit medicines and medical devices

If you are worried about counterfeit medicines or medical devices, and want to report an issue, you can report the matter to the TGA: