Melanotan II (10 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
Melanotan II is a non-selective α-MSH analog activating MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. Effects include pigmentation, appetite suppression, and libido increase.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Route: Subcutaneous | Frequency: Once daily (loading) → 1–2× weekly (maintenance) | Half-life: ~33 hours
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (titration) | 250 mcg | 7.5 units | 0.075 mL | 40 doses |
| Week 2 | 500 mcg | 15 units | 0.15 mL | 20 doses |
| Week 3 | 750 mcg | 22.5 units | 0.22 mL | 13 doses |
| Weeks 4–8 (target) | 1 mg | 30 units | 0.30 mL | 10 doses |
| Weeks 9+ (maintenance) | 1 mg | 30 units | 0.30 mL | 10 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 14 days.
Supplies Needed
Estimates for an 8-week and 12-week cycle at 1 mg per dose, once daily (loading) → 1–2× weekly (maintenance) (1 dose/week).
| Item | 8-Week Cycle | 12-Week Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Melanotan II (10 mg) vials | 1 vials | 2 vials |
| Insulin syringes (U-100) | 8 | 12 |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL) | 1 × 10 mL | 1 × 10 mL |
| Alcohol swabs | 1 × 100-pack | 2 × 100-pack |
Protocol Overview
Melanotan II is non-selective across all melanocortin receptors — producing pigmentation, appetite suppression, and libido increase together. Slow titration during loading is essential to manage initial nausea, which improves significantly after week 1.
Dosing Protocol
Loading + maintenance pattern:
- Day 1–3: 0.25 mg daily (lowest tolerated dose).
- Day 4–14: 0.5 mg daily (loading).
- Maintenance (week 3+): 1 mg, 1–2× weekly to maintain pigmentation.
Cycle: Continuous with monthly skin checks. Some users cycle 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off.
Priapism warning: Higher doses can cause prolonged erections. Reduce dose if this occurs.
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 14 days, protect from light |
Important Notes
How This Works
Melanotan II is a cyclic heptapeptide α-MSH analog with broad melanocortin receptor activity. It produces pigmentation (MC1R), appetite suppression and energy expenditure increase (MC3R/MC4R), and sexual arousal effects (MC4R).
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Cosmetic tan and photoprotection.
- Mild appetite suppression and libido increase.
- Long half-life supports infrequent dosing once loaded.
Side Effect Profile
- Nausea (common, especially during loading).
- Flushing, dizziness.
- Darkening of moles and freckles.
- Erections in males (priapism risk at high doses).
- Injection-site reactions.
Lifestyle Factors
- Slow titration during loading manages nausea.
- Skin checks for mole changes.
- Continue sun protection.
Injection Technique
- Subcutaneous, abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.