Melanotan, moles and melanoma: what case reports show
Important: Melanotan II is not approved for human use in the US, UK, EU or Australia. This page does not give dosing instructions and is not medical advice. If you have a changing mole or any symptom described here, see a doctor.
Melanotan I and II act on the same skin receptors as the body's own alpha-MSH hormone, which drives pigment cells (melanocytes) to make melanin. Because moles are made of these same cells, dermatologists have watched closely for changes in moles in people who use unregulated melanotan products.
What has been reported
New and darkening moles. A 2009 report in Archives of Dermatology described a 40-year-old man with a history of melanoma who self-administered a synthetic alpha-MSH product. He developed crops of new pigmented moles, many with atypical features, and his existing moles darkened. After he stopped, the moles gradually lightened (Cardones and Grichnik, 2009 (PubMed 19380666)).
Melanoma cases. Case reports from the UK and Australia describe melanoma, including melanoma in situ, in people using melanotan (Paurobally et al., 2011 (PubMed 21564053); Ong and Bowling, 2012 (PubMed 22724573)).
A broader review. A 2017 review in the International Journal of Dermatology reviewed the risks of using unregulated alpha-MSH analogues bought online, and noted that afamelanotide is the only analogue approved as a medicine (Habbema et al., 2017 (PubMed 28266027)).
What case reports can and cannot tell us
Case reports show that something happened in a few people. They cannot prove melanotan causes melanoma, and they cannot tell us how common these problems are. People who seek a tan often have other risk factors too, such as heavy sun or sunbed exposure. Still, dermatologists consider the pattern a warning sign, especially for anyone with many moles or a personal or family history of melanoma.
When to see a doctor
Have a dermatologist look at any mole that is new after age 30, changing in size, shape or color, bleeding, itching, or looking different from your other moles. Tell them about any tanning products you have used.