Melanotan II by Dragon Pharma
What Is Melanotan II?
Melanotan II is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), a peptide that activates melanocortin receptors. Its best known research effect is stimulation of melanogenesis, the production of eumelanin, which produces a tan with far less ultraviolet exposure than natural sunbathing.
Because melanocortin receptors are spread across many tissues, Melanotan II is also reported to influence appetite and libido. Physique athletes and lifestyle users reference it for show prep, photoshoots and travel periods when an even, developed tan matters for presentation. Dragon Pharma supplies Melanotan II as a 10 mg lyophilized vial for reconstitution with bacteriostatic water.
Each vial contains 10 mg of Melanotan II by Dragon Pharma. It is an unregulated research peptide, not a cosmetic or medicine, and is intended for laboratory research only.
Melanotan II Research Use
Melanotan II is injected subcutaneously after reconstitution. A common reference mixes the 10 mg vial with 2 ml of bacteriostatic water for a 5 mg per ml solution, then doses in tenths of a milliliter during a loading phase.
| Reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reconstitution | 2 ml bacteriostatic water = 5 mg per ml |
| Loading reference | 0.05-0.1 ml (0.25-0.5 mg) once daily |
| Loading window | 10-14 days, then reduce frequency |
| Maintenance | 0.5-1 mg once or twice per week |
- Use only sterile bacteriostatic water and clean injection technique
- Refrigerate the vial after reconstitution
- Start with very small doses to judge nausea tolerance
Practical Notes
Melanotan II produces a tan gradually, and results are reported to appear within days to a week of consistent dosing. It is a research peptide and is not intended for human use.
Melanotan II Stacks
Melanotan II is usually run for appearance-related research, so it is paired with compounds that support skin condition and the melanocortin pathway. All rows below link to same-brand Dragon Pharma products.
| Combination | Why it is combined |
|---|---|
| PT-141 | Related melanocortin peptide studied alongside MT-2 protocols |
| GHK-CU 10 mg | Skin condition and tissue support during appearance research |
| Glow Blend | Complexion and skin health blend for extended protocols |
Melanotan II Side Effects
Melanotan II has a well documented set of side effects from self-reporting and case literature. Nausea and facial flushing are common, especially with the first injections, and usually pass within an hour.
- Nausea and flushing, most noticeable in the first week
- Darkening of existing moles, freckles and skin blemishes
- Suppressed appetite and, in some users, increased libido
- Spontaneous erections; very rarely a painful prolonged erection
- Rising blood pressure has been reported in some users
Melanotan II is an unregulated research peptide. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, and regulatory agencies warn that injectable tanning products carry unknown long-term risks. Handle only under laboratory conditions.
For research use only. Do not use this page as medical or cosmetic advice; melanocortin peptide protocols belong in a qualified laboratory setting.
What is Melanotan II?
Melanotan II is a synthetic analogue of alpha-MSH, the hormone that controls melanin production. It activates melanocortin receptors and is researched for tanning, appetite and libido effects.
How does Melanotan II produce a tan?
Activation of the MC1 melanocortin receptor increases eumelanin production in skin pigment cells. The result is a tan that develops with much less ultraviolet exposure than normal sunbathing.
How do you reconstitute the Melanotan II 10 mg vial?
A standard reference is 2 ml of bacteriostatic water added to the 10 mg vial, which gives a 5 mg per ml concentration. Inject the water slowly down the vial wall, then swirl gently and refrigerate.
What is the typical Melanotan II dose?
Research references describe a loading phase of 0.25-0.5 mg per day for about 10-14 days, followed by maintenance doses of 0.5-1 mg once or twice a week. Dosing is always judged against tolerance.
How long does Melanotan II take to show results?
A visible tan is commonly reported within the first week of consistent dosing, with the full effect building over the loading phase. Tanning trials note a response can appear within around five doses.
Does Melanotan II darken moles and freckles?
Yes, darkening of existing naevi, freckles and blemishes is a known effect of Melanotan II because the peptide stimulates all melanocytes, not just the surrounding skin. Skin should be monitored for changes.
Do you still need sun exposure with Melanotan II?
The peptide produces pigmentation on its own, but many users report that modest ultraviolet exposure deepens the tan faster. Excess UV combined with the peptide increases skin damage risk and should be avoided.
What are the side effects of Melanotan II?
Nausea and flushing are the most common, especially early in use. Other reported effects include appetite suppression, increased libido, darkening of moles and, rarely, prolonged erections or blood pressure changes.
Is Melanotan II safe?
Melanotan II is an unregulated research peptide, and health agencies warn that injectable tanning products carry unknown long-term risks, including possible skin cancer concerns. Its safety profile is not established.
What is the difference between Melanotan II and PT-141?
Melanotan II is an analogue of alpha-MSH with strong MC1 tanning activity plus some MC4 effects on libido. PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is a modified fragment that mostly skips MC1 and targets MC4 for sexual function research.