Melanotan II
Also called MT-II; Melanotan 2
A synthetic peptide that can darken skin. Regulators warn about serious side effects and unknown product contents, and a tan from it does not protect against sun damage.
Overview
What it is
A cyclic seven-amino-acid analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It is different from afamelanotide (Melanotan I) and bremelanotide (PT-141).
How it works
It activates melanocortin receptors, which increase melanin production but also affect appetite, nausea and sexual function.
What the research shows
A small 1996 phase 1 study showed increased pigmentation along with nausea and spontaneous erections. A 1998 crossover study of 10 men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction reported erections. Neither was large or long enough to establish safety.
Studied for
- Skin pigmentationsmall early studies
- Erectile function10-man study
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
Reported effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, flushing and reduced appetite. Australia's TGA has warned of new or changing moles, kidney problems and brain swelling. Melanoma has been reported in users, though causation is unclear. An erection lasting about 3-4 hours is a medical emergency. FDA notes immune-response and impurity concerns.
Regulatory status
Unapproved drug in the US; FDA Import Alert 66-41 covers Melanotan products. Afamelanotide (Scenesse) is approved only for erythropoietic protoporphyria; bremelanotide (Vyleesi) only for HSDD.
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
Melanotan II (10 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 10 mg Melanotan II
- Add diluent
- 3 mL
- Concentration
- 3.33 mg/mL
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 33.33 mcg in 0.01 mL
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- How often
- Once per day (subcutaneous) during loading phase.
- Typical range
- 250–1000 mcg once daily (gradual titration over 8–12 weeks).
- Cycle length
- 6–8 weeks for initial tanning, then switch to maintenance dosing.
Standard / Gradual Titration
| Week / Phase | Daily Dose | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 250 mcg (0.25 mg) | 7.5 units (0.075 mL) |
| Week 2 | 500 mcg (0.5 mg) | 15 units (0.15 mL) |
| Week 3 | 750 mcg (0.75 mg) | 22.5 units (0.225 mL) |
| Weeks 4–8 | 1000 mcg (1 mg) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
| Maintenance(after Week 8) | 500–1000 mcg(1–2× weekly) | 15–30 units(0.15–0.30 mL) |
How to mix
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall to avoid foaming; do not shake vigorously.
- Gently roll or swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved.
- Label the vial with the reconstitution date and store refrigerated at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
Dosing details
- Start: 200–250 mcg daily; increase by 100–250 mcg increments every 1–2 weeks as tolerated.
- Target: 500–1000 mcg daily by Weeks 4–8 (studied effective range is 1–2 mg/day).
- Frequency: Once per day (subcutaneous) during loading phase.
- Cycle Length: 6–8 weeks for initial tanning, then switch to maintenance dosing.
- Maintenance: 500–1000 mcg administered 1–2× per week to sustain pigmentation.
- Timing: Any consistent time; rotate injection sites to reduce irritation.
Storage
- Lyophilized: Store at −20 °C (−4 °F) or below in dry, dark conditions; keep desiccated to minimize moisture exposure.
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); follow product-specific use-by and sterile-handling instructions; bacteriostatic water alone does not establish a shelf life.
- Avoid freeze–thaw: Do not refreeze reconstituted solution; do not assume aliquoting extends stability without validation.
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation.
Administration technique
- Subcutaneous injection guidance from clinical best-practice resources.
- Clean the vial stopper and injection site with alcohol swabs; allow both to air dry completely.
- Use a 1 mL insulin syringe (29–31 gauge, ½ inch needle) for subcutaneous administration.
- Pinch a fold of skin approximately 1 inch thick at the injection site (abdomen preferred, at least 2 inches from navel).
- Insert the needle at 45–90° depending on body composition; release the pinch after needle insertion.
- Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily.
- Withdraw the needle at the same angle; apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if needed.
- Rotate sites systematically to avoid lipohypertrophy or scarring.
- Dispose of used syringes immediately in a proper sharps container; never reuse needles.
Important notes
- Use new sterile insulin syringes for each injection; dispose in a sharps container immediately.
- Rotate injection sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation and scarring.
- Clean vial stopper and injection site with alcohol swabs before each use; allow to air dry.
- Inject slowly and steadily; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
- Document daily dose, injection site, and any side effects to maintain consistency and track tolerance.
- Safety warning: Do not exceed 2 mg per day; case reports document serious systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis at mega-doses (6 mg).
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Does the tan protect against sun damage?
No. Keep using sunscreen, shade and protective clothing.
Does Melanotan II cause melanoma?
It has been reported in users; a cause has not been proven, but the concern is serious. Get new or changing moles checked.
Is it the same as PT-141?
No. They are related but different compounds.
Found in these blends
Related in Skin and Hair
Sources and further reading (6)
- Dorr RT, et al. Melanotan-II pilot phase I clinical study. Life Sci, 1996.
- Wessells H, et al. Melanotropic peptide initiates erections. J Urol, 1998.
- TGA. Don't risk using tanning products containing melanotan, Jan 2025.
- FDA. Import Alert 66-41.
- National Cancer Institute. Sunlight and cancer.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).
Laboratory research material: Melanotan II (MT2) Research Use Only