Melanotan-1 calculator
A melanocortin agonist approved as an implant for a rare light-sensitivity disorder. Non-approved tanning use is unregulated and risky.
Also known as: Afamelanotide, Scenesse
FDA status — not an approved drug Afamelanotide is FDA-approved as an implant (Scenesse) for a rare light-sensitivity disorder (erythropoietic protoporphyria). Melanotan-1 sold for tanning is not the approved product and is not reviewed by FDA.
Schedule Melanotan-1 → Set your dosing schedule and get a phone notification when each dose is due. Free.
What Melanotan-1 is
Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) is a synthetic melanocortin agonist that stimulates melanin production. Its pharmaceutical form is FDA-approved as a subcutaneous implant (Scenesse) for a rare light-sensitivity disorder. Melanotan-1 sold for cosmetic tanning is unregulated and not the approved product.
Research depth: 4/5 Approved for a specific rare disorder; cosmetic tanning use is unregulated and not the approved product. Human trials: Approved for a rare indication. This measures how much has been studied — counting animal and laboratory work — not whether it works for you.
How Melanotan-1 works
It activates the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating them to produce the dark pigment eumelanin, which tans the skin and increases UV protection. This same melanocytic stimulation is why it darkens moles and raises theoretical concern about effects on pre-existing skin lesions.
Melanotan-1 side effects
Commonly reported
- Nausea and flushing
- Darkening of moles, freckles, and existing pigmentation
- Injection-site reactions
- Fatigue and headache
Serious — seek medical care
- Darkening of existing moles — raises concern about masking or stimulating melanocytic lesions
- Transient blood-pressure changes
- Unregulated products carry contamination and purity risks
This list is not exhaustive. Report anything unexpected to the clinician who prescribed it. If you have severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction, seek care the same day. See also our guide to peptide side effects by class.
A worked example
A 16 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water gives 8 mg/mL. A 2000 mcg dose is then 0.25 mL — about 25 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe, giving roughly 8 doses per vial before accounting for residual volume left in the vial and syringe.
Prefer paper? Download the printable Melanotan-1 dosing chart (PDF) — every vial size and water volume in syringe units, with the same review byline as this page. All charts →
Commonly cited dose range
Figures circulating for Melanotan-1 run from 1000 mcg to 4000 mcg. The approved product is a subcutaneous implant administered clinically. Figures shown reflect community injectable use in micrograms. There is no approved labeling for injectable tanning use.
Read this as reference information, not instruction. These numbers describe what is commonly discussed, not what is right for any individual. Dose, frequency, and whether to use Melanotan-1 at all are decisions for a licensed clinician who knows your history.
Common questions
Is Melanotan-1 approved?
The pharmaceutical form, afamelanotide, is approved as an implant for a rare light-sensitivity disorder. Melanotan-1 vials sold for tanning are not the approved product and are unregulated.
Is tanning use of Melanotan-1 safe?
Unregulated use carries real risks: it darkens moles and freckles, can cause nausea and blood-pressure changes, and there are concerns about effects on existing melanocytic lesions. The approved implant is given under medical supervision.