Melanotan II
peptideMelanocortin agonist (tanning; unapproved, higher-risk)
Research status · Not FDA-approved
Not FDA-approved and specifically flagged by regulators as risky. Sold through unregulated channels. Health agencies (e.g., Australia's TGA) have warned consumers to avoid it.
Melanotan II is an unapproved melanocortin-receptor agonist marketed for tanning and libido effects. It is unregulated, and there are documented safety concerns, including reports of new or changing moles/melanoma during or after use.
How it works
Activates melanocortin receptors, increasing melanin production (tanning) and affecting appetite and sexual function.
Commonly discussed use cases
- Tanning (unapproved)
- Libido (unapproved)
Supposed / potential benefits
- Darkening of skin — but with serious, poorly-characterized risks
Common side effects
- Nausea, flushing, darkening of moles
- Blood-pressure changes
- Priapism
- Reports of melanoma
Warnings & contraindications
- Not FDA-approved; regulators have issued consumer warnings
- Potential to darken/change moles and possible melanoma association
- Unregulated purity/dosing; new or changing skin lesions need prompt dermatologic evaluation
Typical timing considerations
No legitimate approved regimen. This entry exists to inform, not to guide use.
Administration route
Subcutaneous injection or nasal (unapproved)
Questions to ask your clinician
- Given the melanoma concern, what are safer alternatives?
- Can you check any moles that have changed?
Commonly tracked in Reta
Tracking fields organize user-entered, clinician-directed routines — Reta never recommends or computes doses.
Track this in Reta
Beta members get a ready-made tracker for Melanotan II — schedule, dose log, injection-site rotation, reminders, and check-ins — for organizing a clinician-directed routine. Personal tracking is available to everyone during the Public Beta.
Reta is a tracking and education tool — not a medical provider. Nothing here is a diagnosis, treatment, prescription, or dosing recommendation. Peptides and medications should only be used under the direction of a licensed clinician. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting, stopping, combining, or changing anything. Many compounds below are not FDA-approved for human use; some are investigational or sold through unregulated channels where purity and dosing are not guaranteed.