Overview
- Consumer group Which? reported melatonin being advertised across AliExpress, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Superdrug marketplace and Temu, frequently at 10mg and once at 30mg on Temu.
- Some sellers concealed melatonin within ingredient lists or marketed items as night-time fat burners or “100% drug free,” obscuring the presence of a prescription-only drug.
- AliExpress, Amazon, eBay and Temu say the highlighted listings have been taken down, with platforms penalising sellers and reviewing wider listings for policy breaches.
- The NHS typically starts adults on 2mg and may go up to about 10mg for some cases, while melatonin can interact with antidepressants and hormonal contraception and cause side effects such as headaches, dizziness and mood changes.
- Superdrug says topically applied products containing melatonin are widely sold and has asked the MHRA to clarify guidelines, as Which? calls for stronger oversight of online marketplaces.