Melanotan II
250–500 mcg · EOD or 2-3×/week
Robert
Founder, F*CK Getting Old — independent researcher, not a medical professional.
Last reviewed · 2 cited sources
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
Key Studies & Reviews
- Peters B et al. (2020). Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction — review of the literature and case report. CEN Case Rep. PMID 31953620.
- Callaghan DJ 3rd (2018). A glimpse into the underground market of melanotan. Dermatol Online J. PMID 30142729.
Search the Research
Melanotan II FAQ
What is the typical Melanotan II dosage?
Commonly reported protocols: 250–500 mcg subcutaneous, typically starting with a lower "loading" dose to gauge tolerance, then 2-3x/week for maintenance tanning. Our reference entry uses 250–500 mcg, EOD or 2-3×/week. These reflect protocols reported in research and user communities, not a medical recommendation — dosing should be decided with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Melanotan II?
Reported side effects include: Nausea (common, especially early doses); Flushing; Spontaneous erections; Darkening of existing moles and freckles — dermatologic monitoring is worth considering; Appetite suppression.
Is Melanotan II FDA approved?
Melanotan II is not FDA approved for human use and is generally sold as a research chemical, so purity and dosing are not regulated.
How much research is there on Melanotan II?
Our evidence profile counts roughly 5 human and 15 animal studies, with low overall confidence. 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.
Does Melanotan II interact with other drugs or supplements?
Limited formal interaction data; caution combining with other blood-pressure-affecting compounds.
How do I reconstitute Melanotan II?
A common setup is a 10 mg vial mixed with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water, which puts a 250–500 mcg dose at about 5 units on a U-100 insulin syringe. Use the reconstitution calculator with your own vial and dose to get exact numbers. Storage: Refrigerate after reconstitution.
Related compounds
Tanning and libido; unregulated research chemical, not FDA approved