This page is provided for research and educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment recommendations, dosing instructions, or instructions for human use. Research findings should be interpreted within the population, model, formulation, route, outcomes, and study design reported by each cited source.
Melanotan II (10 mg Vial)
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone studied for its ability to increase skin pigmentation and noted for inducing erectile activity as a side effect[1]. A small pilot phase I study examined pigmentation and adverse effects in three male participants[1]. Its findings do not establish a personal tanning protocol or long-term safety.
Quick Reference
What is Melanotan II?
Research overview based on the cited scientific literature.
• Goal: Increase skin pigmentation (tanning) through melanocortin receptor activation[1].
• Storage: Lyophilized frozen at −20 °C (−4 °F); reconstituted refrigerated at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); use within 1–2 weeks[7].
Storage Instructions
Proper storage preserves peptide stability and potency.
• Lyophilized: Store at −20 °C (−4 °F) or below in dry, dark conditions; keep desiccated to minimize moisture exposure[7].
• Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); use within 1–2 weeks with bacteriostatic water preservative[7].
• Avoid freeze–thaw: Do not refreeze reconstituted solution; prepare aliquots if longer storage needed.
• Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation.
How is Melanotan II studied?
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. A pilot phase I study in three men evaluated pigmentation and adverse effects[1]. Two participants had increased pigmentation assessed after the study; nausea, fatigue or somnolence and other effects were reported. These findings describe a small experimental study and do not establish a personal dose, loading phase or maintenance schedule.
What does the research report about Melanotan II?
Observations from clinical trials and case reports.
Potential Benefits
• Increases skin pigmentation (tanning) without UV exposure requirement[1][2].
• In the cited pilot phase I study of three men, two had increased pigmentation measured after the study[1]. This small study does not establish how most people would respond.
• May induce spontaneous erections in men as a noted side effect (MC4R activation)[3][5].
• This research overview does not recommend a personal loading or maintenance schedule.
Common Side Effects
• Nausea (dose-dependent; most common at higher doses)[1][2].
• Facial flushing and increased skin warmth[3].
• Reduced appetite and mild fatigue[1].
• Spontaneous erections or increased libido in men[5].
• Injection site reactions (redness, mild stinging)[9].
Serious Risks & Warnings
• Not FDA-approved: Melanotan II is not an approved medication; use carries regulatory and safety risks[6].
• Dose-limiting toxicity: Severe sympathomimetic symptoms and rhabdomyolysis reported at 6 mg dose[4].
• Mole changes: May alter pigmentation of existing moles; theoretical melanoma concerns warrant caution[6].
• Cardiovascular effects: Transient increases in heart rate and blood pressure possible at higher doses[3].
Research Limitations / Risk Notes
Melanotan II is not FDA-approved or approved by other major regulatory agencies for therapeutic tanning use[6]. The supplied evidence includes early human trials and case reports, including serious toxicity at a 6 mg dose[4].
Important Note
This content is provided for scientific research and educational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, dosing, or administration instructions. The compounds discussed may be investigational and are not presented as approved for human use.
