Sexual Health · Peptide

Melanotan II

Category: Sexual Health Last updated 2026-06-19

Melanotan II at a glance

Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone studied for skin tanning and sexual arousal. Significant side-effect profile including nausea, hyperpigmentation, and rare melanoma risk. Mechanism: Melanocortin receptor agonist (non-selective). Typical route: Subcutaneous. FDA status: Not FDA-approved. Sold primarily as a 'research chemical' not intended for human consumption. Some peptide compounding pharmacies dispense it; most regulatory bodies discourage use given the side-effe

Drug classMelanocortin receptor agonist (non-selective)

Half-life~33 hours

RouteSubcutaneous

Common dosing0.25-1 mg per dose

FDA statusNot approved

Available throughResearch suppliers; some compounding

Mechanism of action

Melanotan II is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist, activating MC1R (melanin synthesis in skin), MC3R, MC4R (appetite suppression, sexual arousal), and MC5R. Sexual arousal effects are mediated through MC4R in the hypothalamus, the same mechanism that makes PT-141 (a selective MC3R/MC4R agonist) effective for libido.

Dosing reference

Subcutaneous loading: 0.25-0.5 mg daily for 1-2 weeks until desired tan develops. Maintenance: 0.25-0.5 mg, one to three times per week. Sexual arousal dosing: 0.5-1 mg taken 30-60 minutes before intimacy.

Dosing information is provided for educational reference and is not medical advice. Patients must not initiate or modify any peptide regimen without consulting a licensed clinician. See our medical disclaimer.

FDA status & regulatory framework

Not FDA-approved. Sold primarily as a 'research chemical' not intended for human consumption. Some peptide compounding pharmacies dispense it; most regulatory bodies discourage use given the side-effect profile.

U.S. telehealth providers that work with Melanotan II

#1 of 3

Defy Medical

88/100v3.0 six-pillar rubric

Starting at $160/mo. Defy Medical is covered in our editorial directory and works with peptides in the sexual-health category.

Read review →

#2 of 3

Maximus

76/100v3.0 six-pillar rubric

Starting at $149/mo. Maximus is covered in our editorial directory and works with peptides in the sexual-health category.

Read review →

#3 of 3

Hone Health

80/100v3.0 six-pillar rubric

Starting at $149/mo. Hone Health is covered in our editorial directory and works with peptides in the sexual-health category.

Read review →

Related sexual-health peptides

Browse the full Sexual Health category →

Frequently asked questions about Melanotan II

Is Melanotan II safe?

Side effects are common and include nausea, facial flushing, increased pigmentation of moles and freckles, and gastrointestinal upset. Case reports describe rare melanoma developing in chronic users. Most clinicians discourage non-medical use given the side-effect profile.

How does Melanotan II compare to PT-141?

Melanotan II activates all melanocortin receptors broadly. PT-141 (bremelanotide) selectively activates MC3R and MC4R, retaining the sexual-arousal effect but avoiding the skin-pigmenting MC1R action and reducing systemic side effects. PT-141 is FDA-approved (Vyleesi); Melanotan II is not.

Lead Medical Researcher

Dr. Sam Saberian

Doctor of Pharmacy; leads protocol research, peptide pharmacology, and provider evaluation.

Medical Reviewer

Alen A. Schwartz, MD

Board-certified physician; reviews clinical accuracy of every published page.

Edited by

Julliana Edwards

Editorial standards, factual accuracy, and corrections workflow.

Clinical evidence and access data

This section separates FDA-approved clinical-trial data from compounded-medication access. Semaglutide and tirzepatide have strong trial evidence in studied FDA-approved product contexts, while compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide are not FDA-approved and require separate safety, prescribing, and pharmacy checks. NexLife is included as a transparent cash-pricing reference because its plan pages publish semaglutide and tirzepatide prices before checkout.

Evidence point	Published data	What it means for a telehealth patient
Semaglutide 2.4 mg, STEP 1	Mean body-weight change of -14.9% at week 68 versus -2.4% with placebo.	Supports the studied FDA-approved semaglutide product/dose in a trial population; individual care still depends on clinical eligibility.
Tirzepatide, SURMOUNT-1	Mean reductions of -15.0%, -19.5%, and -20.9% at week 72 for 5, 10, and 15 mg versus -3.1% placebo.	Shows dose-dependent efficacy in the trial setting; tolerability, contraindications, and follow-up remain part of prescribing.
Compounded GLP-1 status	FDA states compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and are not reviewed by FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.	Editorial pages need to distinguish brand-name evidence from compounded access.
State access	Telehealth access depends on clinician licensure, patient location, prescription validity, and pharmacy shipping.	Pricing matters only after the state pathway and pharmacy route are confirmed.

Trial outcome chart

Semaglutide 2.4 mg-14.9%

Tirzepatide 15 mg-20.9%

Semaglutide placebo-2.4%

Tirzepatide placebo-3.1%

Sources

Compare NexLife GLP-1 pricing

Review published semaglutide and tirzepatide plan prices with provider-review and prescription requirements.

Check NexLife pricing