Melanotan-2
MT-II, Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2
Melanotan-2 (MT-II) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that acts as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist. Originally developed for skin pigmentation research, it has also been investigated for erectile dysfunction. NOT FDA approved and carries significant safety warnings from health agencies worldwide due to serious adverse effects including potential melanoma risk.
Complete Dosing Guide
How to Take Melanotan 2
A. For Injectable Administration
Starting Dose:
- 0.25 mg (250 mcg) injected subcutaneously for first injection to assess tolerance.
- Note: This initial dose is intentionally low to minimize side effects and assess individual sensitivity.
- Goal should be to feel nothing or only mild effects.
Standard Dosing Protocol for Tanning:
Loading Phase (Days 1-14):
- Days 1-2: 0.25 mg once daily
- Days 3-14: 0.5 mg to 1.0 mg once daily
- Inject 2-3 hours before sun/UV exposure or before bedtime
- Total loading duration: 1-2 weeks depending on desired darkness
Maintenance Dosing for Tanning:
- Dose: 0.5 mg to 1.0 mg per week (or twice weekly for deeper tan)
- Frequency: Once or twice weekly after desired tan is achieved
- Can be reduced further based on individual maintenance needs
- Some individuals maintain with doses as low as 0.25 mg weekly
Dosing Protocol for Sexual Enhancement:
- Starting Dose: 0.5 mg to 1.0 mg subcutaneous injection
- Timing: 2-4 hours before anticipated sexual activity
- Maintenance: 1.0 mg to 2.0 mg daily for sustained effects
- Cycle Duration: 4-8 weeks, followed by 2-4 week break
Dosing Protocol for Weight Loss:
- Dose: 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg daily between meals
- Timing: Morning or midday to maximize appetite suppression
- Cycle Duration: 4-6 weeks maximum
- Break Period: Equal duration off-cycle (4-6 weeks)
Weight-Based Dosing (Clinical Research):
Standard clinical dose: 0.01 mg/kg to 0.025 mg/kg per injection
- For 70 kg (154 lb) person: 0.7 mg to 1.75 mg per dose
- For 80 kg (176 lb) person: 0.8 mg to 2.0 mg per dose
- For 90 kg (198 lb) person: 0.9 mg to 2.25 mg per dose
How to Inject:
- Inject subcutaneously (under the skin) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
- Best timing: Evening injection 2-3 hours before bedtime or sun exposure.
- Rotate injection sites to prevent irritation and lipohypertrophy.
- Use new sterile insulin syringe (29-31 gauge) for each injection.
- Never share pens, vials, or needles with others.
Reconstitution Instructions:
- Common reconstitution: Add 2 mL of bacteriostatic water to a 10 mg vial (yields 5 mg/mL concentration).
- Alternative concentration: Add 3 mL of bacteriostatic water to 10 mg vial (yields 3.33 mg/mL).
Reconstitution Steps:
- Clean vial tops with alcohol swab and let dry.
- Draw appropriate amount of bacteriostatic water into sterile syringe.
- Slowly inject water down the side of the vial wall (not directly onto powder).
- Gently swirl or roll the vial - DO NOT SHAKE vigorously.
- Allow 5-10 minutes for complete dissolution.
- Solution should be clear and colorless.
- Refrigerate immediately after reconstitution.
Dose Calculations Example:
10 mg vial + 2 mL bacteriostatic water = 5 mg/mL (5,000 mcg/mL) concentration
- To draw 0.25 mg (250 mcg): withdraw 0.05 mL (5 units on 100-unit insulin syringe)
- To draw 0.5 mg (500 mcg): withdraw 0.1 mL (10 units on 100-unit insulin syringe)
- To draw 1.0 mg: withdraw 0.2 mL (20 units on 100-unit insulin syringe)
10 mg vial + 3 mL bacteriostatic water = 3.33 mg/mL (3,330 mcg/mL) concentration
- To draw 0.25 mg (250 mcg): withdraw 0.075 mL (7.5 units on 100-unit insulin syringe)
- To draw 0.5 mg (500 mcg): withdraw 0.15 mL (15 units on 100-unit insulin syringe)
- To draw 1.0 mg: withdraw 0.3 mL (30 units on 100-unit insulin syringe)
Note: For more precise dosing of small amounts (below 10 units), consider using 50-unit or 30-unit insulin syringes.
B. Nasal Spray Administration (Less Common)
While nasal spray formulations exist, they are:
- Less efficient and consistent than injections
- Have unpredictable absorption and effectiveness
- Require higher doses to achieve similar effects
- Not recommended as primary administration method
- Injectable administration remains the gold standard
C. Administration Considerations
UV Exposure Requirements:
- Some UV exposure is necessary to activate melanin production
- Start with brief, safe periods: 10-15 minutes per session
- Can use natural sunlight or controlled tanning beds
- Avoid excessive UV exposure - MT-2 doesn't prevent sun damage completely
- Always use appropriate sun protection for extended exposure
Cycling Recommendations:
- Avoid continuous long-term use without breaks
- Typical cycle: 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off
- Allows body to reset receptor sensitivity
- Reduces risk of tolerance development
- Minimizes potential long-term side effects
Dosing Calculators
Dose Calculator
Unit Converter
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Medical Disclaimer
CRITICAL WARNING: Melanotan-2 is NOT approved by the FDA or any major regulatory agency for human use. Health authorities worldwide have issued warnings against its use due to serious safety risks including potential melanoma, priapism, rhabdomyolysis, and systemic toxicity. This information is for educational and research purposes only. Any use requires medical supervision and carries significant legal and health risks. Consult healthcare providers for approved alternatives.