Question 1

What is Melanotan?

Accepted Answer

Melanotan is a self-administered injectable tan that works by stimulating the production of melanin. There are two different types of Melanotan:

Melanotan 1 is a peptide that emulates the action and effects of the hormone that produces melanin. It has fewer side effects than Melanotan 2, but it’s harder to find and is more expensive.

Melanotan 2 (sometimes “Melanton II” or “M-II”) also emulates the effects of the hormone that produces melanin. It isn’t the same chemical composition as Melanotan 1 but, rather, a shorter version of the same peptide called afamelanotide. Melanotan 2 side effects include dizziness, acne and other skin problems, and nausea. This injectable can also be used for erectile dysfunction, so side effects may include unintended arousal.

The manufacturer says Melanotan can make your skin darker without the risks associated with tanning beds and sun exposure. The company also claims that the tanning created by the injections can protect against skin cancer.

Question 2

Is Melanotan safe?

Accepted Answer

Neither Melanotan 1 nor Melanotan 2 is FDA-approved, and they’re illegal in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. due to serious safety concerns.

In a 2012 report by Australia’s health department, the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) said it had abandoned investigations into regulating Melanotan for treating erectile dysfunction due to "side effects associated with the immune and cardiovascular systems.” Those same side effects may be evident in any use of the injectable.

According to Dr. Lorrie Klein, a dermatologic surgeon in Laguna Niguel, California, “There have been no long-term clinical trials, and the side effects of this chemical are unknown. Reactions to the drug vary from person to person, ranging from acute allergic reactions to dizziness, sickness, and acne. Since it’s available only on the internet, probably from sources outside the U.S., there’s no way of knowing what is actually in the bottle or how it will react with other medicines. I would not recommend injecting this into your body.”

It’s also important to note that tanning injections have been associated with the growth and darkening of moles in some patients, which Dr. Klein says “could be dangerous.”

This risk is confirmed by the same Australian report, which states that the tanning agent had been "associated with a change in size and pigmentation of preexisting moles.”

Question 3

Melanotan vs. Scenesse: What’s the difference?

Accepted Answer

Melanotan vs. Scenesse: What’s the difference?

Scenesse is the brand name for an injectable of the peptide afamelanotide (Melanotan 2 is the same peptide). It was recently reviewed and approved by the FDA to treat patients with a history of phototoxic reactions (skin damage) from erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare disorder that makes light exposure extremely painful.

It’s not indicated to use for tanning, but one of the side effects is the darkening of the skin, and it carries fewer side effects than Melanotan.

Question 4

How much does Melanotan cost?

Accepted Answer

Because Melanotan is illegal in the United States and difficult to obtain, the cost varies significantly.

You’ll need regular injections to achieve and maintain your results, so your total cost will also depend on the number of injections you choose to have administered.

MELANOTAN

Colleen Williams

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Colleen Williams

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