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Melanotan II
Research Use
Also known as MT-II, MT2
Function
Primary
Tanning · Libido / erectile function (research)
Mechanism
Non-selective melanocortin (MC1/MC3/MC4) receptor agonist — stimulates melanogenesis (MC1) and central sexual arousal pathways (MC4).
Evidence
Pre-clinical / Observational
Research
Early human studies (1990s); no modern Phase 3
Dosing
Range
0.25–1 mg/day during loading; maintenance 1 mg 1–2×/week
Frequency
Daily loading, then weekly
Route
Subcutaneous
Administration & Technique
Subcutaneous
Loading dose evenings (offset nausea) then maintenance 2–3× weekly.
DeviceInsulin syringe.
TechniqueMicro-doses (250–500 mcg) SubQ abdomen. Combine with UV exposure.
Injection & Application Sites
Front
Back
Subcutaneous
- Abdomen — 2 in (5 cm) away from the navel, either side. Fastest, most consistent SubQ absorption.
Diagram is a general illustration, not a medical instruction. Rotate sites every injection, keep 1 in (2.5 cm) between recent sites, and avoid scars, moles, bruises and the navel area.
Cycling
Loading 1–2 wk, then minimal maintenance; full skin checks before/after.
Timing & Interactions
When to take
Loading phase: micro-doses daily SubQ, evening (to sleep through initial nausea). Maintenance: 2–3× weekly. Combine with UV exposure for tanning effect.
Do not combine with
- ·PT-141 / Bremelanotide — same melanocortin class
- ·Personal or family history of melanoma — hard contraindication
- ·Atypical or numerous nevi — dermatologic follow-up required
Complements
- ·Standalone; not for stacking
Notes
Full-body skin check before and during use.
Storage & Reconstitution
Powder (Pre-Reconstitution)
Lyophilized powder: refrigerate 2–8°C for up to 24 months, or freeze at –20°C for extended storage. Keep sealed, desiccated, and protected from light.
After Reconstitution
After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 28 days. Discard if cloudy, discolored, or precipitated.
Notes
Do not freeze after reconstitution — freeze/thaw cycles degrade most peptides.
Reconstitution Calculator
Concentration
2.50 mg/mL
Volume per dose
0.100 mL
Insulin syringe
10.0 units (U-100)
1 mL = 100 units on a standard U-100 insulin syringe. Draw to the nearest 0.5 unit and confirm dosing with a clinician before injection.
Your Notes
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Benefits
- ·Increased skin pigmentation
- ·Reported libido/erection enhancement
- ·Appetite suppression
Risks
- ·New / changing moles & melanoma concern
- ·Nausea, flushing, priapism
- ·BP fluctuations
- ·Unregulated supply quality
Contraindications
- ·History of melanoma or atypical nevi
- ·Pregnancy
- ·Cardiovascular disease
- ·Children
Regulatory
Unapproved — banned in EU/UK/AUS; harm-reduction context only
Veterinary Use (Pets)
No established veterinary protocol for Melanotan II. Consult a licensed veterinarian before considering off-label use in any species.
Full veterinary reference →Functional Groups
Cited Works
- Dorr RT et al. Evaluation of Melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide. Life Sci. 1996;58:1777.source