Melanotan-1 Dosing: 250mcg 2x/Week Protocol

Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-MSH that stimulates melanin production for photoprotection. FDA-approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) as a subcutaneous implant. Community protocols extrapolate from this clinical data. This is not medical advice.

Quick Reference: Standard Protocol

UV exposure required — 15-30 minutes daily during loading phase. MT-1 amplifies UV response rather than independently darkening skin.

For the full Melanotan-1 peptide profile and vendor pricing, see our Melanotan-1 peptide page.

Cycling Details

A two-phase approach mirrors the natural tanning process:

Loading (Weeks 1-4): 250 mcg twice weekly with daily UV exposure (15-30 minutes, gradually increasing). This builds baseline melanin and photoprotective capacity.

Maintenance (Weeks 5-8): Continue 250 mcg twice weekly or reduce to once weekly, with regular UV to maintain tan.

This protocol mimics the natural seasonal pattern — building protection in spring, maintaining through summer (Langendonk et al., 2015). Many users run seasonally: 8-12 weeks before summer, or 4-6 weeks pre-vacation.

Routes of Administration

Subcutaneous (standard): Abdomen or love handle area. Rotate sites. Use 29-31 gauge insulin syringe. Volume is typically 0.05 mL per injection. Morning injections preferred.

Subcutaneous implant (clinical only): FDA-approved 16 mg biodegradable implant every 60 days for EPP patients. Not available for community use.

Not effective: Oral (degraded by stomach acid), nasal (no protocols), topical (molecule too large).

Reconstitution Quick Reference

Math: 10,000 mcg / 2 mL = 5,000 mcg/mL. 250 mcg / 5,000 = 0.05 mL = 5 units. Swirl gently, refrigerate, protect from light, use within 28 days.

For step-by-step reconstitution instructions, see the BPC-157 reconstitution guide — same technique applies.

Where These Numbers Come From

Community dosing is extrapolated from FDA-approved clinical data and early trials.

Afamelanotide is FDA-approved for EPP at 16 mg subcutaneous implant every 60 days — roughly 2 mg/day of continuous release (Langendonk et al., 2015). Phase II trials in healthy volunteers used 0.16 mg/kg subcutaneous injections with dose-dependent skin darkening (Barnetson et al., 2006).

The community's 250 mcg twice weekly (0.5 mg/week, ~70 mcg/day equivalent) is conservative compared to clinical data (FDA implant ~14 mg/week). Lower community doses still work for melanogenesis when combined with UV exposure, while reducing side effects and preventing receptor desensitization.

Stacking Protocols

Do NOT stack with Melanotan-2 — adding MT-2 increases side effects without proportional benefits. MT-1's selectivity for MC1R is its advantage.

Side Effects & Safety

• Injection site redness — lasting 30-60 minutes, mild
• Mole/freckle darkening — gradual, may complicate skin cancer monitoring
• Mild fatigue — uncommon, on injection days
• Mild nausea — much less than MT-2
• No nausea/vomiting at standard doses (MT-1 doesn't significantly activate MC4R)
• No libido effects — limited CNS penetration unlike MT-2
• No appetite suppression — doesn't affect feeding centers
• Excessive UV caution — false confidence may lead to overexposure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard Melanotan-1 dose?

250 mcg subcutaneously twice per week (e.g., Monday/Thursday) in the morning. Cycle 8 weeks on, 8 weeks off. Draw 5 units from a 10 mg vial with 2 mL BAC water.

Do I need UV exposure with Melanotan-1?

Yes — MT-1 amplifies melanin production in response to UV rather than independently darkening skin. Plan 15-30 minutes daily during loading.

How does Melanotan-1 compare to Melanotan-2?

MT-1 is more selective for MC1R — fewer side effects (no nausea, libido changes, or appetite suppression). Works more slowly and requires UV. MT-2 is more potent but has significant side effects. See our MT-1 vs MT-2 comparison.

How long should a Melanotan-1 cycle last?

8 weeks on, 8 weeks off. Loading takes 2-4 weeks, then maintenance through week 8. Many users run seasonally.

Is Melanotan-1 FDA-approved?

Yes, as afamelanotide for EPP — given as a 16 mg subcutaneous implant every 2 months. Community injection protocols extrapolate from this clinical data.

How do I reconstitute Melanotan-1?

Add 2 mL BAC water to a 10 mg vial (5,000 mcg/mL). 250 mcg = 5 units on insulin syringe. Swirl gently, refrigerate, use within 28 days.

Related Guides

• Melanotan-1 peptide page — vendor pricing and full profile
• Melanotan-2 Dosing Guide — alternative tanning peptide
• Melanotan 1 vs Melanotan 2 — head-to-head comparison
• Melanotan 2 Side Effects — why MT-1 has a better safety profile
• PT-141 Dosing Guide — related melanocortin peptide
• Why Melanotan-1 Best Peptide — deep dive on MT-1 advantages
• Calculate Your Melanotan I Cycle Cost — estimate vials needed and total cost

References

For educational and research purposes only. This is not medical advice. Consult healthcare providers before using any peptide protocol.