Melanotan II
250–500 mcg · EOD or 2-3×/week
Evidence
- Human Studies
- 5
- Animal Studies
- 15
- Clinical Status
- Research
- Confidence
- Low
- Long-Term Safety
- Unknown — never went through FDA review; case reports exist of new/changing moles, a genuine long-term concern given the melanocyte-stimulating mechanism
What this score is: a measure of how much research exists and how far along it is (animal-only vs. human trials, research-stage vs. FDA approved) — not how safe, effective, or worth trying a compound is. A low score usually means “early stage” or “understudied,” not “bad.” A high score doesn’t mean “better” for your goals than a lower-scored one.
This is not my personal rating of the compound, not a recommendation, and not medical advice. It’s a general research synthesis for informational purposes only, not a live literature count. See the linked research and talk to a licensed clinician before making decisions based on it.
Mechanism
Melanotan II is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist that stimulates melanin production (skin tanning) and has libido-enhancing effects through central MC4R activity — the same receptor pathway later exploited more selectively by PT-141/bremelanotide. It has never been FDA approved and is sold only as a research chemical.
Common Protocols
- 250–500 mcg subcutaneous, typically starting with a lower "loading" dose to gauge tolerance, then 2-3x/week for maintenance tanning
Side Effects
- Nausea (common, especially early doses)
- Flushing
- Spontaneous erections
- Darkening of existing moles and freckles — dermatologic monitoring is worth considering
- Appetite suppression
Interactions
- Limited formal interaction data; caution combining with other blood-pressure-affecting compounds
Practical Details
- Cost
- $
- Typical Vial Size
- 10 mg
- Storage
- Refrigerate after reconstitution
Research Links
Tanning and libido; unregulated research chemical, not FDA approved