Melanotan
Scientific names: Melanotan-II
Alternate names: Afamelanotide, Barbie Drug, Melanotan I, Melanotan II, Melanotan-I, Melanotan-II, MT-I, MT-II, Synthetic Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (a-MSH) Analogues
Background
Melanotan is a lab-made chemical. It is similar to a hormone found in the body. It was originally made as a drug to help treat certain skin conditions. It is also sold over the internet as a supplement.
Melanotan is commonly used for skin tanning. It is also used to produce erections in men with erectile dysfunction (ED), for rosacea, for fibromyalgia, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. There is also concern that melanotan might not be safe when used as a shot under the skin.
Be careful not to confuse melanotan with melatonin.
Melanotan is commonly used for skin tanning. It is also used to produce erections in men with erectile dysfunction (ED), for rosacea, for fibromyalgia, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. There is also concern that melanotan might not be safe when used as a shot under the skin.
Be careful not to confuse melanotan with melatonin.
Safety Safety definitions
When given as a shot: Melanotan is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when given as a shot. It can causes nausea, stomach cramps, decreased appetite, flushing, tiredness, yawning, darkened skin, spontaneous erections of the penis, and other side effects. In some people, especially those with light skin, a change in the shape of moles, new moles, and skin cancer, have all occurred in people using melanotan.
When sprayed in the nose: There isn't enough reliable information to know if melanotan is safe or what the side effects might be.
When sprayed in the nose: There isn't enough reliable information to know if melanotan is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if melanotan is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
- Erectile dysfunction (ED). Most early research suggests that giving melanotan as a shot under the skin helps men with erectile dysfunction achieve and keep an erection. However, side effects like nausea mean that this is not the best product to use. Also, melanotan is now only available as an unregulated product over the internet.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Tanning of the skin.
- Preventing skin cancers due to sun exposure, when given as a shot under the skin.
- Rosacea.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY INJECTION UNDER THE SKIN:
BY INJECTION UNDER THE SKIN:
- For erectile dysfunction (ED): the typical dosage of melanotan is 0.025 mg/kg.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Melanotan interacts with any medicines. Before taking Melanotan, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Melanotan is similar to a substance in our bodies, called "melanocyte-stimulating hormone." This hormone increases the production of skin-darkening pigments. Melanotan might also work in the brain to stimulate erections of the penis.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 01/05/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 30/12/2021 07:46:48. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
