Melanotan II
Get a source-linked, educational explanation from this profile.
Complete Research Guide
Open each section for the available evidence. Gaps are stated rather than inferred.
Overview
Melanotan II is listed as melanocortin / pigmentation & libido.
- •Tanning
- •Libido / erectile function (research)
Regulatory status: Unapproved — banned in EU/UK/AUS; harm-reduction context only.
Structure & Properties
Compound: Melanotan II; also known as MT-II, MT2.
Pharmacologic class: Melanocortin / Pigmentation & Libido.
Known delivery routes: Subcutaneous.
Sequence, molecular weight, salt form, and excipient details are formulation-specific and are not listed unless verified by a manufacturer or laboratory COA.
How It Works
Non-selective melanocortin (MC1/MC3/MC4) receptor agonist — stimulates melanogenesis (MC1) and central sexual arousal pathways (MC4).
- •Increased skin pigmentation
- •Reported libido/erection enhancement
- •Appetite suppression
Human Research
Evidence grade: Pre-clinical / Observational
Evidence is primarily preclinical or observational; human effectiveness and long-term safety are not established.
Laboratory Research
Early human studies (1990s); no modern Phase 3
Preclinical findings describe biological plausibility, not proven benefit in people. Animal and laboratory doses do not translate directly to human use.
Processing & Interactions
Timing and exposure
Loading phase: micro-doses daily SubQ, evening (to sleep through initial nausea). Maintenance: 2–3× weekly. Combine with UV exposure for tanning effect.
Potential interactions and combinations to avoid
- •PT-141 / Bremelanotide — same melanocortin class
- •Personal or family history of melanoma — hard contraindication
- •Atypical or numerous nevi — dermatologic follow-up required
Absorption, half-life, metabolism, and clearance can vary by formulation and route. Use prescribing information when an approved product exists.
Safety & Precautions
Known or reported 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
- •History of melanoma, dysplastic nevi, or numerous/atypical moles
- •Uncontrolled hypertension or significant cardiovascular disease
- •Fitzpatrick type I skin with extensive sun exposure and no dermatologic surveillance
- •Concurrent PDE-5 inhibitors or antihypertensives without medical oversight (blood-pressure swings)
- •Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy without physician guidance (injection-site haematoma)
- •Active skin infection, cellulitis, or lipohypertrophy at intended injection sites
- •Inability to maintain sterile technique or safe sharps disposal
- •Any history of skin cancer or immunosuppression-related skin surveillance needs
- •Unsupervised use without full-body dermatologic mole mapping
- •Not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use — no verified purity, sterility, or potency standards
- •Immunocompromised or transplant patients (unverified sterility and immunogenicity risk)
- •Concurrent participation in drug-tested sport (WADA prohibited or non-cleared substance)
- •Known hypersensitivity or prior reaction to this compound or any excipient/diluent
- •Pregnancy, attempting conception, or breastfeeding unless prescribed and monitored by a physician
- •Children and adolescents with open growth plates (unless under specialist endocrine care)
- •Active or recently treated malignancy without oncology clearance
- •Use without a confirmed diagnosis, baseline labs, and licensed clinical supervision
Unknown long-term toxicity should be assumed where controlled human data are limited. Seek urgent care for a severe or unexpected reaction.
Administration & Studied Formulations
Reference range: 0.25–1 mg/day during loading; maintenance 1 mg 1–2×/week
Frequency: Daily loading, then weekly
Cycling: Loading 1–2 wk, then minimal maintenance; full skin checks before/after.
Subcutaneous
Loading dose evenings (offset nausea) then maintenance 2–3× weekly.
Insulin syringe. Micro-doses (250–500 mcg) SubQ abdomen. Combine with UV exposure.
Dosing information is educational context, not a personal recommendation. Approved products must follow their label and prescriber instructions.
Applications & Related Therapies
Potentially complementary measures
- •Standalone; not for stacking
Clinical use should account for diagnosis, approved alternatives, nutrition, activity, sleep, rehabilitation, current medicines, and appropriate monitoring.
Full-body skin check before and during use.
Cases, Considerations & Ethics
Decision framework: establish the clinical goal, confirm evidence quality and legal status, screen contraindications and interactions, compare approved alternatives, define monitoring and stopping criteria, and use shared decision-making with a licensed clinician.
Case evidence: individual reports cannot establish safety or effectiveness and should not outweigh controlled trials.
Ethics: informed consent should distinguish established care from experimental use, disclose uncertainty and cost, avoid overstated claims, and never substitute research products for medically necessary care.
What is Melanotan II?
In plain words
Melanotan II is a lab-made substance that copies part of a natural hormone. It signals the body to make more skin pigment and activates brain pathways involved in sexual arousal. Researchers study it for tanning and sexual function, but evidence for safe, effective use is limited. Risks include nausea, blood pressure changes, prolonged painful erections and changing moles; melanoma concerns remain unresolved, and unregulated products may have unreliable quality.
Technical definition
Melanotan II (MT-II, MT2) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist, including at MC1, MC3 and MC4 receptors, stimulating melanin production through MC1 and central sexual-arousal pathways through MC4. It is not FDA-approved and is not authorized as a medicine in the EU, UK or Australia.
Function
Dosing
Recommended Time of Day
Evening, pre-bed — limits nausea and facial flushing awareness.
See “Timing & Interactions” below for full fasted/fed circumstances, what to avoid combining, and what pairs well.
Administration & Technique
Injection & Application Sites
- 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
- ·PT-141 / Bremelanotide — same melanocortin class
- ·Personal or family history of melanoma — hard contraindication
- ·Atypical or numerous nevi — dermatologic follow-up required
- ·Standalone; not for stacking
Storage & Reconstitution
Reconstitution Calculator
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
- ·History of melanoma, dysplastic nevi, or numerous/atypical moles
- ·Uncontrolled hypertension or significant cardiovascular disease
- ·Fitzpatrick type I skin with extensive sun exposure and no dermatologic surveillance
- ·Concurrent PDE-5 inhibitors or antihypertensives without medical oversight (blood-pressure swings)
- ·Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy without physician guidance (injection-site haematoma)
- ·Active skin infection, cellulitis, or lipohypertrophy at intended injection sites
- ·Inability to maintain sterile technique or safe sharps disposal
- ·Any history of skin cancer or immunosuppression-related skin surveillance needs
- ·Unsupervised use without full-body dermatologic mole mapping
- ·Not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use — no verified purity, sterility, or potency standards
- ·Immunocompromised or transplant patients (unverified sterility and immunogenicity risk)
- ·Concurrent participation in drug-tested sport (WADA prohibited or non-cleared substance)
- ·Known hypersensitivity or prior reaction to this compound or any excipient/diluent
- ·Pregnancy, attempting conception, or breastfeeding unless prescribed and monitored by a physician
- ·Children and adolescents with open growth plates (unless under specialist endocrine care)
- ·Active or recently treated malignancy without oncology clearance
- ·Use without a confirmed diagnosis, baseline labs, and licensed clinical supervision
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 →