Melanotan I (10 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic α-MSH analog studied for skin photoprotection. Activates melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes, increasing melanin synthesis.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Route: Subcutaneous | Frequency: Daily during loading, then maintenance | Half-life: ~30 minutes (acute); pigmentation lasts months
Standard Approach (3 mL = 3.33 mg/mL)
Reconstituting with 3 mL bacteriostatic water produces a concentration of 3.33 mg/mL. Volume per dose changes with concentration; mg dose itself does not change between vial sizes.
| Phase / Protocol | Dose | U-100 Units | Volume | Doses per vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading | 500 mcg | 15 units | 0.15 mL | 20 doses |
| Maintenance | 500 mcg | 15 units | 0.15 mL | 20 doses |
Reconstitution Steps
- Wipe the vial stopper and BAC water vial with alcohol; let dry.
- Draw 3 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the inside glass wall of the peptide vial. Do not aim at the powder.
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label with reconstitution date. Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within 28 days.
Supplies Needed
Estimates for an 8-week and 12-week cycle at 500 mcg per dose, daily during loading, then maintenance (7 doses/week).
| Item | 8-Week Cycle | 12-Week Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Melanotan I (10 mg) vials | 3 vials | 5 vials |
| Insulin syringes (U-100) | 56 | 84 |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL) | 1 × 10 mL | 2 × 10 mL |
| Alcohol swabs | 1 × 100-pack | 2 × 100-pack |
Protocol Overview
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a selective MC1R agonist — produces melanin without the sexual or appetite effects of MT-II. Approved internationally for erythropoietic protoporphyria photoprotection.
Pigmentation lasts months after the loading phase, allowing infrequent maintenance dosing.
Dosing Protocol
Loading + maintenance:
- Loading: 0.5 mg daily for 1–2 weeks until desired pigmentation reached.
- Maintenance: 0.5 mg 1–2× weekly to sustain pigmentation.
Cycle: Continuous as long as pigmentation maintenance desired. Monthly skin checks for mole changes.
Storage Instructions
| State | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | −20°C (−4°F) | Up to 24 months, dry & dark |
| Reconstituted | 2–8°C (35–46°F) | Up to 28 days, protect from light |
Important Notes
How This Works
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic α-MSH analog binding MC1R on cutaneous melanocytes, stimulating melanogenesis (eumelanin production). Approved internationally for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) photoprotection.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Photoprotective melanin increase.
- Studied in EPP for sun-tolerance improvement.
- Cosmetic tan effect.
Side Effect Profile
- Nausea (most common during initial doses).
- Flushing, dizziness.
- Darkening of moles and freckles — monitor for malignant change.
- Injection-site reactions.
Lifestyle Factors
- Skin examination before/during use to monitor moles.
- Continue sun protection — pigmentation alone does not eliminate UV damage risk.
Injection Technique
- Subcutaneous, abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.