The growing use of unregulated injectable peptides is creating a new risk of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections that can silently progress to liver cancer and even death if left undiagnosed, warns Hepatitis Queensland.

Peptides, often bought online and injected at home for muscle growth, weight loss or anti-ageing, have surged in popularity in recent years, prompting a Therapeutic Goods Administration safety alert earlier this year over unapproved products entering the Australian market. Peptides are part of a wider group of substances known as performance and image enhancing drugs, which also includes anabolic steroids and tanning injections.

“But there’s a risk many people may not be aware of — hepatitis B and C can be transmitted by reusing or sharing needles, syringes or multi-use vials, even once, regardless of what’s being injected or where it came from,” explains Hepatitis Queensland CEO, Dr Anna Hawkes.

“Many people might be using injecting equipment for the first time in their lives without knowing the risks. Hepatitis is easily transmissible, and infection might only be discovered once it has already progressed to liver cancer. Sharing needles, syringes or other injecting equipment, even once, carries a real risk of hepatitis transmission. Sterile needles and syringes are available from most pharmacies,” Dr Hawkes said.

Hepatitis Queensland says the trend reflects a wider pattern, from unregulated peptide injecting to poor infection control in some medical and cosmetic tourism destinations — that puts hepatitis testing on the agenda for far more people than is commonly assumed.

“Hepatitis can be contracted through unsterile equipment used in tattooing, piercing, cosmetic injections or dental work in Australia or overseas. The risk comes down to how equipment is sterilised and reused, not what someone is having done,” Dr Hawkes said.

The warning comes as Hepatitis Queensland marks World Hepatitis Day on 28 July with the promotion of its new Viral Hepatitis and Liver Cancer Queensland Report, produced in partnership with Cancer Council Queensland, highlighting the direct and often overlooked link between chronic, undiagnosed hepatitis B and C infection and liver cancer — one of the fastest-rising cancers in the state.

“Hepatitis B and C often have no symptoms for years, so people can be living with the virus without knowing it, while it quietly damages their liver. What we’re seeing now with the rise in peptide use is a new front on an old problem. The message for World Hepatitis Day is simple: if you inject anything and could be at risk, get tested. Hepatitis C is curable, and hepatitis B can be managed effectively, but only if it’s diagnosed. Left untreated, both can lead to liver damage, liver cancer and death,” Dr Hawkes said.

“As President of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland I am aware of increased use of unregulated injectable peptides in the community. It’s encouraging that patients are being made aware of the need to safely secure equipment as many don’t realise hepatitis can be passed on through sharing, even just once. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland supports Hepatitis Queensland’s message this World Hepatitis Day,” said Mr Chris Owen.
Hepatitis Queensland is calling on Queenslanders, including those using peptides, steroids or other injectable substances, to get tested for hepatitis B and C if they could be at risk. Free and confidential information and support is available in Queensland via free call 1800 437 753.

World Hepatitis Day 2026 falls on 28 July. This year, Hepatitis Queensland’s campaign theme, “Your Liver. Your Life,” is a direct call to action: your liver health is in your hands, and hepatitis awareness and prevention is the first step to protecting it.

We’re here to help. For hepatitis testing, vaccination, and treatment information, call the Hepatitis Queensland Infoline on 1800 437 753.