What are the side effects of Melanotan (2)?

People in clinical studies reported nausea and flushing of the face as the main side effects (especially right after the injection). In many users appetite is suppressed as well. This can be welcome or unwelcome, depending on the dietary goals of the person using MT. The dosages used in clinical studies are higher then the dose outlined in the administration section of this website. Therefore the side effects with the low doses are probably less severe then the side effects reported in the clinical studies. Melanotan II has more and more pronounced side effects compared to melanotan 1 (afamelanotide).
 

(Side) Effects summary

The side effects often abate with each administration of melanotan (2), but most people will keep on experiencing the most common side effects like nausea and flushing which are noticed just after injection.  Most people will find Melanotan 1 very comfortable to use, with minor side effects.

MT-II increases libido and are often seen in together with spontaneous erections. This libido increasing side effect does not appear to diminish in severity over time.

Some users will notice new appearance of freckles. The good news is that as the tan is developed, the visual appearance of the freckles will decrease. Moles will probably become darker too. Freckles and darker moles will reverse after the user stops the use of melanotan and sun tanning is ceased.

Formerly unnoticed white spots of skin may also become visible as you get more tanned. This does not occur as a result of using Melanotan. The cause of these white spots (usually 2-5mm in size) might be Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis. Larger white areas of skin may be due to Tinea versicolor which is a fungal infection caused by overgrowth of yeast on the skin’s surface.

There are rare reports of hyper pigmentation. The hyper pigmentation is accompanied by spots of darkened skin and much larger than regular moles. Not all occurrences of hyper pigmentation are attributable to increased melanocyte activity. Diffuse hyperpigmentation can have many possible underlying causes or disorders including Addison's disease, hyperthyroidism and certain medications which may induce phototoxic reactions.

Melanotan 2 has a bigger difference then melanotan 1 compared to our own in vivo produced alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone. Because of this bigger difference it has been speculated that there is a bigger change that the body will view melanotan 2 as a foreign body and produce an allergic response. This could possibly trigger anaphylaxis; anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life threatening allergic reaction with a host of severe symptoms.