Melanotan II Protocol Guide
Melanotan II (MT-2) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (a-MSH) that stimulates melanogenesis, the process by which melanin pigment is produced in skin cells. It activates melanocortin receptors (primarily MC1R) to promote UV-free tanning and is studied for photoprotective applications. Melanotan II also affects MC3R and MC4R, which can influence appetite suppression and sexual function. This protocol covers reconstitution from a 10mg vial with 2mL bacteriostatic water, subcutaneous dosing at 250mcg 3x/week during loading phase, transition to maintenance dosing, and safety monitoring including mole surveillance.
Protocol Overview
- Compound
- Melanotan II (MT-2, Alpha-MSH Analog)
- Category
- Tanning / Photoprotection Peptide
- Mechanism
- Activates melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R) to stimulate melanin production in melanocytes; also affects appetite and sexual function
- Structure
- Cyclic heptapeptide, synthetic a-MSH analog
- Half-Life
- ~30-60 minutes
- Vial Size
- 10mg lyophilized powder
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Frequency
- 3x/week (loading), 1x/week (maintenance)
- Cycle Length
- 4-6 weeks loading, then maintenance
Dosing Protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Tolerance | 100-150 mcg | 3x/week (evening) | Subcutaneous | First 2-3 doses |
| Loading Phase | 250 mcg | 3x/week (Mon/Wed/Fri) | Subcutaneous | 4-6 weeks |
| Maintenance | 250 mcg | 1x/week or biweekly | Subcutaneous | As needed |
Key principle: Start with low doses to assess tolerance and minimize nausea. Administer in the evening as nausea and flushing are most pronounced in the first hour. Some UV exposure is beneficial during loading phase to activate melanocytes that Melanotan II is priming.
Reconstitution Instructions
Materials Needed
- Melanotan II 10mg lyophilized vial
- Bacteriostatic water (2mL)
- 3mL mixing syringe (18-20ga)
- Insulin syringes (29-31ga) for dosing
- Alcohol swabs
Reconstitution Steps
- Clean vial stopper with alcohol
- Draw 2mL bacteriostatic water
- Inject slowly down the vial wall
- Gently swirl (never shake)
- Wait 5 minutes for full dissolution
- Concentration: 5,000 mcg/mL
| Dose | Volume (2mL recon) | Insulin Syringe |
|---|---|---|
| 100 mcg | 0.02 mL | 2 units |
| 250 mcg | 0.05 mL | 5 units |
| 500 mcg | 0.10 mL | 10 units |
| 1000 mcg | 0.20 mL | 20 units |
Administration Guide
Injection Sites
- Abdomen: Primary site, subcutaneous
- Thigh: Outer thigh, alternate sides
- Upper arm: Back of arm, alternate
Timing & Storage
- Timing: Evening administration (nausea peaks ~30 min post-dose)
- UV exposure: Brief sun exposure during loading helps activate melanocytes
- Vial duration: ~67 days at 250mcg 3x/week
- Storage (reconstituted): Refrigerate 2-8°C, use within 30 days
- Do not freeze reconstituted solution
Expected Timeline
Side Effects & Monitoring
Common Side Effects
- Nausea (most common, especially early doses)
- Facial flushing and warmth
- Darkening of existing moles and freckles
- Appetite suppression
- Spontaneous erections (males)
- Injection site redness
Nausea typically resolves after 3-5 doses as tolerance develops. Taking an antihistamine 30 min before injection can reduce flushing.
Precautions
- Monitor all moles for changes in shape, size, or color
- Regular dermatological skin checks recommended
- Not approved by any regulatory agency for human use
- MC4R activation may cause cardiovascular effects
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Subjects with melanoma history should avoid use
Stacking Recommendations
Compatible Compounds
- GHK-Cu: Skin repair and collagen support
- BPC-157: Tissue healing and skin health
- Glutathione: Antioxidant support during melanogenesis
- AOD-9604: Body composition support
Popular Stacks
- Skin Health: Melanotan II + GHK-Cu for tan + collagen
- Body Comp: Melanotan II (appetite suppression) + AOD-9604
- Protective: Melanotan II + oral Glutathione
Blood Work Recommendations
| Panel | Markers | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Panel | CBC, CMP | Baseline, Week 6 |
| Liver Function | ALT, AST, GGT | Baseline, Week 6 |
| Hormones | Blood pressure, heart rate monitoring | Ongoing |
| Dermatology | Full skin/mole check | Baseline, every 3 months |
Dermatological monitoring is the most important safety measure with Melanotan II. Document all moles at baseline and track any changes in size, shape, color, or border irregularity.
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