Melanotan II (10mg Vial) Dosage Protocol

Melanotan II (10 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol

Quickstart Highlights

Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone studied for its ability to increase skin pigmentation and noted for inducing erectile activity as a side effect[1]. Early human trials identified effective daily doses in the range of 1–2 mg for tanning, with conservative protocols starting lower to minimize side effects such as nausea and flushing[2][3]. This educational protocol presents a once-daily subcutaneous titration approach using practical dilution for clear insulin-syringe measurements.

  • Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 3.33 mg/mL concentration.
  • Typical daily range: 250–1000 mcg once daily (gradual titration over 8–12 weeks).
  • Easy measuring: At 3.33 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 33.3 mcg on a U-100 insulin syringe.
  • Storage: Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C (−4 °F) or below; after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); use within 1–2 weeks.
Melanotan II Vial

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Educational guide for reconstitution and daily dosing

Standard / Gradual Titration (3 mL = 3.33 mg/mL)

Week / Phase Daily Dose Units (per injection) (mL)
Week 1 250 mcg (0.25 mg) 7.5 units (0.075 mL)
Week 2 500 mcg (0.5 mg) 15 units (0.15 mL)
Week 3 750 mcg (0.75 mg) 22.5 units (0.225 mL)
Weeks 4–8 1000 mcg (1 mg) 30 units (0.30 mL)
Maintenance
(after Week 8)		 500–1000 mcg
(1–2× weekly)		 15–30 units
(0.15–0.30 mL)

Frequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously during the initial 8-week tanning phase; transition to 1–2 injections per week for maintenance dosing to sustain pigmentation[3]. This schedule uses the standard 3.0 mL dilution for consistent unit measurements. For ≤10-unit (≤0.10 mL) administrations, consider 30- or 50-unit insulin syringes for improved readability.

Reconstitution Steps

  1. Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
  2. Inject slowly down the vial wall to avoid foaming; do not shake vigorously.
  3. Gently roll or swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved.
  4. Label the vial with the reconstitution date and store refrigerated at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.

Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Melanotan II is not an approved medication. For research use only.

Supplies Needed

Plan based on an 8–16 week daily protocol with gradual titration (including transition to maintenance dosing).

  • Peptide Vials (Melanotan II, 10 mg each):

    • 8 weeks ≈ 5 vials (~45–50 mg total)
    • 12 weeks ≈ 8 vials (~70–75 mg total)
    • 16 weeks ≈ 10 vials (~95–100 mg total)
  • Insulin Syringes (U-100, 1 mL):

    • Per week (daily dosing): 7 syringes
    • 8 weeks: 56 syringes
    • 12 weeks: 84 syringes
    • 16 weeks: 112 syringes
  • Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles): Use 3.0 mL per vial for reconstitution.

    • 8 weeks (5 vials): 15 mL → 2 × 10 mL bottles
    • 12 weeks (8 vials): 24 mL → 3 × 10 mL bottles
    • 16 weeks (10 vials): 30 mL → 3 × 10 mL bottles
  • Alcohol Swabs: One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.

    • Per week: 14 swabs (2/day)
    • 8 weeks: 112 swabs → recommend 2 × 100-count boxes
    • 12 weeks: 168 swabs → recommend 2 × 100-count boxes
    • 16 weeks: 224 swabs → recommend 3 × 100-count boxes
Melanotan II Vial
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Insulin Syringes
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Bacteriostatic Water
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Alcohol Pads
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Protocol Overview

Concise summary of the once-daily subcutaneous regimen.

  • Goal: Increase skin pigmentation (tanning) through melanocortin receptor activation[1].
  • Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections for 6–8 weeks during loading phase, then maintenance dosing 1–2× weekly[3].
  • Dose Range: 250–1000 mcg daily with gradual titration to minimize side effects.
  • Reconstitution: 3.0 mL per 10 mg vial (3.33 mg/mL) for accurate unit measurements.
  • Storage: Lyophilized frozen at −20 °C (−4 °F); reconstituted refrigerated at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); use within 1–2 weeks[7].

Dosing Protocol

Suggested daily titration approach based on clinical research.

  • Start: 200–250 mcg daily; increase by 100–250 mcg increments every 1–2 weeks as tolerated[2].
  • Target: 500–1000 mcg daily by Weeks 4–8 (studied effective range is 1–2 mg/day)[1].
  • Frequency: Once per day (subcutaneous) during loading phase.
  • Cycle Length: 6–8 weeks for initial tanning, then switch to maintenance dosing.
  • Maintenance: 500–1000 mcg administered 1–2× per week to sustain pigmentation[3].
  • Timing: Any consistent time; rotate injection sites to reduce irritation.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage preserves peptide stability and potency.

  • Lyophilized: Store at −20 °C (−4 °F) or below in dry, dark conditions; keep desiccated to minimize moisture exposure[7].
  • Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); use within 1–2 weeks with bacteriostatic water preservative[7].
  • Avoid freeze–thaw: Do not refreeze reconstituted solution; prepare aliquots if longer storage needed.
  • Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation.

Important Notes

Practical considerations for consistency and safety.

  • Use new sterile insulin syringes for each injection; dispose in a sharps container immediately[9].
  • Rotate injection sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation and scarring[10].
  • Clean vial stopper and injection site with alcohol swabs before each use; allow to air dry[11].
  • Inject slowly and steadily; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
  • Document daily dose, injection site, and any side effects to maintain consistency and track tolerance.
  • Safety warning: Do not exceed 2 mg per day; case reports document serious systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis at mega-doses (6 mg)[4].

How This Works

Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that binds to melanocortin receptors, particularly MC1R and MC4R[1]. Activation of MC1R on melanocytes stimulates melanin production and distribution, resulting in increased skin pigmentation even without UV exposure[2]. Early Phase I studies in humans identified 0.025 mg/kg per day (approximately 1.5–2 mg for an average adult) as an appropriate dose, with measurable tanning observed after just five low doses administered over two weeks[1]. The peptide’s subcutaneous administration allows for steady melanocortin receptor activation, with effects accumulating over the course of daily injections during the initial tanning phase[3].

Potential Benefits & Side Effects

Observations from clinical trials and case reports.

Potential Benefits

  • Increases skin pigmentation (tanning) without UV exposure requirement[1][2].
  • Tanning effects observable after 5–10 daily injections in most individuals[1].
  • May induce spontaneous erections in men as a noted side effect (MC4R activation)[3][5].
  • Maintenance dosing (1–2× weekly) can sustain pigmentation after initial loading phase[3].

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea (dose-dependent; most common at higher doses)[1][2].
  • Facial flushing and increased skin warmth[3].
  • Reduced appetite and mild fatigue[1].
  • Spontaneous erections or increased libido in men[5].
  • Injection site reactions (redness, mild stinging)[9].

Serious Risks & Warnings

  • Not FDA-approved: Melanotan II is not an approved medication; use carries regulatory and safety risks[6].
  • Dose-limiting toxicity: Severe sympathomimetic symptoms and rhabdomyolysis reported at 6 mg dose[4].
  • Mole changes: May alter pigmentation of existing moles; theoretical melanoma concerns warrant caution[6].
  • Cardiovascular effects: Transient increases in heart rate and blood pressure possible at higher doses[3].

Lifestyle Factors

Complementary strategies for safe and effective outcomes.

  • UV exposure: Melanotan II increases melanin without UV, but some users combine with minimal UV exposure; always use appropriate sun protection to reduce skin cancer risk[6].
  • Hydration: Maintain adequate fluid intake, especially if experiencing nausea or appetite suppression.
  • Monitoring: Inspect moles and skin regularly for changes; seek dermatological evaluation if new or changing lesions appear[6].
  • Dose discipline: Adhere strictly to conservative dosing protocols; never exceed 2 mg per day to avoid serious adverse effects[4].

Injection Technique

Subcutaneous injection guidance from clinical best-practice resources[9][11].

  • Clean the vial stopper and injection site with alcohol swabs; allow both to air dry completely[11].
  • Use a 1 mL insulin syringe (29–31 gauge, ½ inch needle) for subcutaneous administration[9].
  • Pinch a fold of skin approximately 1 inch thick at the injection site (abdomen preferred, at least 2 inches from navel)[10].
  • Insert the needle at 45–90° depending on body composition; release the pinch after needle insertion[10].
  • Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily[11].
  • Withdraw the needle at the same angle; apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if needed.
  • Rotate sites systematically to avoid lipohypertrophy or scarring[10].
  • Dispose of used syringes immediately in a proper sharps container; never reuse needles[9].

Important Note

This content is intended for therapeutic educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Melanotan II is not an approved medication by the FDA or other regulatory agencies. Research use only; not for human consumption. Any use carries significant risks including potential serious adverse effects. Consult qualified healthcare professionals before considering any peptide research.

References


  • PubMed — Dorr RT et al. (1996)
    — Phase I clinical study of melanotan-II, evaluation of dosing and safety in healthy volunteers
    View Source

  • International Peptide Society — Melanotan II Monograph
    — Comprehensive peptide monograph covering dosing protocols and titration guidance
    View Source

  • DermNet NZ — Melanotan II Information for Patients
    — Clinical dermatology guidance on melanotan use, side effects, and maintenance dosing
    View Source

  • PubMed — Nelson ME et al. (2012)
    — Case report: Melanotan II injection resulting in systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis
    View Source

  • RxList — Melanotan-II Uses, Side Effects and Dosing
    — Medical database overview of melanotan-II pharmacology and clinical effects
    View Source

  • Health Service Executive (HSE) Ireland
    — Public health advice on the use of injecting tanning agents (melanotan)
    View Source

  • Cell Sciences Inc. — Product Data Sheet
    — Melanotan-II storage and stability specifications for lyophilized and reconstituted forms
    View Source

  • MedlinePlus — Subcutaneous Injections
    — U.S. National Library of Medicine patient instructions for subcutaneous injection technique
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  • NCBI Bookshelf — Administration of Parenteral Medications
    — Comprehensive nursing guide for safe injection practices and sterile technique
    View Source

  • CDC — Vaccine Administration Guidelines
    — Subcutaneous injection technique, site selection, and best practices from the CDC
    View Source

  • NCBI Bookshelf — Best Practices for Injection Safety
    — Clinical guidelines for aseptic preparation and administration of injectable medications
    View Source

  • Pure Lab Peptides
    — Melanotan II (10 mg) product page with quality documentation and batch information
    View Source