Melanotan II
A non-selective melanocortin agonist that stimulates MC1R melanocytes to produce eumelanin (the tan) and MC4R pathways to drive libido and erections.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Snipes, MD. Last reviewed May 6, 2026.
What It Is
Melanotan II is a melanocortin agonist. Because it hits multiple melanocortin receptors, its effects and side effects are broader than its selective relative PT-141. It requires some UV exposure to develop pigment, so the skin-safety precautions below are serious.
How It Works
At MC1R it prompts melanocytes to produce the pigment that develops a tan; at MC4R it stimulates the brain pathways behind sexual desire and erections. Effects and side effects both track the dose, which is why loading starts low and increases slowly.
Who It's For
Adults seeking melanocortin-driven tanning or libido support under provider supervision who have cleared a skin and mole check first.
Who Should Avoid It
Requires a skin and mole check before use. Avoid entirely with any personal or family history of melanoma or numerous atypical moles: it darkens and can destabilize pigmented lesions and masks the warning signs of skin cancer. This is the single most important precaution. Prolonged or painful erection (priapism) over 4 hours is a medical emergency. Other effects include nausea, flushing, and darkening moles. Not for use in pregnancy.
Protocol & Pricing
OBP Pharmacy Price
$80/5mg
You pay pharmacy price. No markup.
Starting Dose
25 units (0.25mg)
Form
Injectable vial (5mL, 1mg/mL, 5mg total)
Dosing Protocol
25 units subcutaneous injection once daily during loading until desired pigmentation develops, then 25 units 1 to 2 times weekly for maintenance. 25 units = 0.25mL × 1mg/mL = 0.25mg per injection. Start low to limit nausea.
Beyond Use Date
90 Days from compounding (USP <797>)
Use within this window from the date your vial is compounded. BUD is set per USP <797> sterile compounding standards and printed on every label.
Stacking Guide
Stacks Well With
Non-selective melanocortin agonist (tanning + sexual health)
Read the Melanotan II protocol guide
A non-selective melanocortin agonist with human trial data going back to 1991. Produces both UV-independent tanning (MC1R) and sexual arousal (MC4R). Nausea is nearly universal above 0.5 mg and is mechanistically inseparable from the sexual effect. Not FDA-approved; its descendant PT-141 is.
Related Peptides
How to get Melanotan II prescribed online
Melanotan II is available by prescription through a licensed telehealth visit and dispensed for human use by a named 503A pharmacy. That is what separates it from research-use-only vials sold without a prescription. There is no subscription and no membership, just a one-time visit fee.
- 1
Complete a $39 medical visit. Answer a short intake about your health history and your goals for Melanotan II. The $39 fee is the only charge RxPepsDirect collects, paid once, not a recurring subscription.
- 2
A licensed provider reviews it. A US-licensed nurse practitioner or physician reviews your intake and, if Melanotan II is appropriate for you, writes a patient-specific prescription. The starting dose is typically 25 units (0.25mg).
- 3
The pharmacy compounds and ships it. Optimal Balance Pharmacy, a 503A pharmacy in Texas, compounds Melanotan II and ships it pre-reconstituted by FedEx overnight in a reusable cooled case. Your fill is Injectable vial (5mL, 1mg/mL, 5mg total), and you pay the pharmacy $80/5mg at wholesale, with no clinic markup, plus a $15 flat FedEx overnight shipping fee charged by the pharmacy.
RxPepsDirect prescribes Melanotan II in the 28 states its medical team is licensed in. Start a $39 visit or browse the full Sexual Health & Vitality range.
Common questions about Melanotan II
- What is Melanotan II?
- Melanotan II is a melanocortin agonist. Because it hits multiple melanocortin receptors, its effects and side effects are broader than its selective relative PT-141. It requires some UV exposure to develop pigment, so the skin-safety precautions below are serious.
- How does Melanotan II work?
- At MC1R it prompts melanocytes to produce the pigment that develops a tan; at MC4R it stimulates the brain pathways behind sexual desire and erections. Effects and side effects both track the dose, which is why loading starts low and increases slowly.
- Who is Melanotan II for?
- Adults seeking melanocortin-driven tanning or libido support under provider supervision who have cleared a skin and mole check first.
- How much does Melanotan II cost?
- Melanotan II costs $80/5mg from Optimal Balance Pharmacy at wholesale, with a flat $39 medical visit fee from RxPepsDirect. The form is Injectable vial (5mL, 1mg/mL, 5mg total).
- What is the Beyond Use Date for Melanotan II?
- 90 Days from compounding (USP <797>) BUDs are assigned per USP <797> sterile compounding standards and printed on every vial label.