Cosmetic Protocol
Melanotan-2Complete Dosing & Administration Guide
A powerful synthetic peptide that mimics your body's natural tanning hormone, giving you a deeper, longer-lasting tan with minimal sun exposure while also showing surprising benefits for libido and appetite.
Dose Range
100-500mcg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
4-6 weeks
Dosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
100-250 mcg
Start low to assess your tolerance. Nausea and flushing are common at first but usually decrease. Taking it before bed helps you sleep through any nausea. This loading phase builds up melanin in your system.
Standard Dose
250-500 mcg
This is the typical loading phase. Use daily until you reach your desired tan (usually 2-3 weeks), then switch to maintenance dosing. Brief sun or UV exposure (10-20 minutes) speeds up results.
Advanced Dose
500 mcg
Once you've achieved your desired tan, maintenance doses keep it topped up. Some users only need 500mcg once or twice weekly to maintain color year-round. The long half-life means you don't need daily dosing.
Timing
Best time to take
Evening or before bed works best for most people. This helps you sleep through any initial nausea or flushing. The long half-life (33+ hours) means timing isn't critical for effectiveness.
With food?
Taking MT-2 on an empty stomach speeds absorption but may increase nausea. If nausea is an issue, try a light snack 30-60 minutes before. Once you're past the first week, food timing matters less.
If stacking
If using with other peptides, inject at different sites. MT-2 is often the only peptide people use at bedtime due to the drowsiness it can cause. Don't combine with PT-141 on the same day—both affect the same receptors.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've used starting doses for a week with minimal side effects
- +You're not seeing color development after 2 weeks with some UV exposure
- +Your maintenance dose isn't holding your tan between doses
Decrease if
- -Nausea persists beyond the first week
- -Flushing is severe or uncomfortable
- -You're experiencing unwanted sexual side effects
- -New moles are appearing (consult dermatologist)
Signs of right dose
- ✓Gradual, natural-looking tan development
- ✓Minimal nausea after the first few doses
- ✓Stable color that lasts between maintenance doses
- ✓No concerning changes to existing moles
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Step 1: Peptide Weight
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Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)—the preservative allows multiple uses
- •Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge) for precise dosing
- •Alcohol swabs for sterilization
- •Your Melanotan-2 powder vial (typically 10mg)
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection (just under the skin)—this is the most common and effective method for MT-2
Best sites
- •Belly fat area (1-2 inches from belly button)—most popular site
- •Front or outer thigh (middle section)
- •Back of the upper arm (if you can reach)
Technique
- 1.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
- 2.Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it dry
- 3.Pinch about an inch of skin to create a fold
- 4.Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle
- 5.Inject slowly and steadily—rushing can increase nausea
- 6.Wait 5-10 seconds before removing the needle
- 7.Don't rub the site—just light pressure if needed
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Melanotan-2 has been studied in clinical trials and shows a generally acceptable short-term safety profile when used as directed. The most common side effects—nausea and flushing—are usually temporary and decrease with continued use. However, MT-2 is not FDA approved, and long-term safety data is limited. The main safety concern is the unknown effect on melanocytes (pigment-producing cells), particularly in people with a history of melanoma or atypical moles.
MT-2 was developed at the University of Arizona and has undergone multiple clinical trials for tanning and sexual dysfunction. While short-term studies show reasonable safety, long-term effects on skin cancer risk are not definitively known. Anyone using MT-2 should get regular skin checks from a dermatologist.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Facial flushing
Your face may turn red and feel warm shortly after injection. This is one of the most common effects, especially in the first week. It's caused by MT-2's effects on blood vessels.
Management: Usually subsides within 30-60 minutes. Taking MT-2 before bed helps. Flushing typically decreases significantly after the first week as your body adjusts.
Nausea
Many users feel queasy after injection, especially at higher doses or during the first week. This is the most common reason people struggle with MT-2.
Management: Start with lower doses (100-150 mcg) and work up. Take before bed to sleep through it. A light snack beforehand may help. Anti-nausea medications can be used if needed.
Darkening of moles and freckles
Existing moles, freckles, and any pigmented areas will darken along with your skin. This is expected but needs monitoring.
Management: Get a baseline skin check before starting. Monitor moles for any changes in size, shape, or color. See a dermatologist if any mole looks concerning.
Spontaneous erections (men)
MT-2 activates the same pathways as PT-141, so increased erections are common, especially during the loading phase.
Management: Usually decreases as your body adjusts. If problematic, reduce dose. Never combine with ED medications like Viagra—risk of priapism.
Drowsiness and fatigue
Many people feel tired or drowsy after injection, likely related to MT-2's effects on the nervous system.
Management: This is why evening dosing is recommended. Use it to your advantage—inject before bed and let it work while you sleep.
Less Common
- •New mole formation
- •Headaches
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Any mole shows concerning changes (growth, irregular borders, color changes, bleeding)
- ×You develop new moles that appear atypical or concerning
- ×Nausea or flushing remains severe beyond the first week
- ×You experience priapism or prolonged erection
- ×Any signs of allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, significant swelling)
- ×You've achieved your desired tan and completed your cycle
Melanotan-2 is not FDA approved and is considered a research compound. The long-term effects on skin cancer risk are not definitively known. Regular dermatological monitoring is essential for anyone using MT-2. This information is educational only—consult a healthcare provider before use.
Interactions
With other peptides
- !Both act on melanocortin receptors. Don't use on the same day—effects may compound unpredictably. PT-141 is more targeted for sexual function.
- ✓No known interaction. Can be used together safely for general wellness benefits. Inject at different sites.
- ✓Safe combination. GHK-Cu supports skin health through different mechanisms, complementing MT-2's tanning effects.
- ✓Generally safe to combine. Separate injection times by at least 30 minutes.
With medications
- !Erectile dysfunction drugs (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra) - NEVER combine—serious risk of priapism (dangerous prolonged erection). Wait at least 24-48 hours between MT-2 and ED medications.
- !Blood pressure medications - MT-2 can temporarily affect blood pressure. Monitor BP closely and inform your doctor about MT-2 use.
- !Antidepressants (SSRIs) - Potential for interaction affecting sexual side effects. Use with caution and monitor your response.
- ✓Antihistamines - Some antihistamines may help with nausea and flushing. Generally safe to combine.
With supplements
- ✓Vitamin D - Safe and potentially beneficial. Vitamin D supports skin health and you'll need less sun exposure with MT-2.
- ✓Antioxidants (Vitamin C, E) - Safe to combine. May offer additional skin protection.
- ✓Tyrosine - Tyrosine is a melanin precursor. Some believe it enhances MT-2 results, though this isn't proven. Safe to take together.
- ✓Ginger or anti-nausea supplements - Can help manage MT-2-induced nausea during the loading phase.
Want the Full Picture?
View the complete Melanotan-2 research profile including mechanism of action, clinical studies, effectiveness timeline, and FAQ.
View Full Melanotan-2 Profile