Balanced product information
Evidence, limitations and safety — in one consistent format.
This page separates authorised uses from investigational or reported uses. It does not provide personal medical advice or dosing instructions.
Product name
Melanotan II (MT2)
Catalogue label details describe what is displayed; they do not independently verify composition, quality, batch release or UK marketing authorisation.
What is it?
Melanotan II is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that activates several melanocortin receptors. It is not the same medicine as afamelanotide, which has a different structure, indication and authorised product.
Nasal sprays and injections sold as Melanotan II are unlicensed products whose identity, dose and purity may be uncertain.
Intended / recognised uses
Authorised / recognised uses
- Melanotan II has no authorised medical or cosmetic use in the UK.
Reported / non-authorised uses
- It is promoted for tanning, skin pigmentation, appetite suppression or sexual effects, but these are not authorised uses.
- A darker appearance does not protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation or remove skin-cancer risk.
How it works
Activation of melanocortin receptors can stimulate melanin production and darken skin. Activity at other melanocortin receptors may affect appetite, nausea, blood pressure and sexual function.
Non-selective receptor activity contributes to unpredictable effects.
Potential benefits / effects
- Skin darkening has been observed, but this is a cosmetic effect rather than an established health benefit.
- There is no authorised evidence base showing that this nasal product safely treats a medical condition or provides protection from sun damage.
Potential benefit is not a guarantee of benefit for any individual.
Risks & warnings
- Unlicensed products can have uncertain concentration, contamination, stability and storage.
- Reported concerns include changes in existing moles or new pigmented lesions, blood-pressure or cardiovascular effects and prolonged erections.
- A direct causal link with melanoma has not been fully established, but suspicious or changing lesions require medical assessment.
Possible side effects
Commonly reported or plausible effects
- Nausea, flushing, headache, dizziness, reduced appetite, skin darkening and increased freckling or mole pigmentation.
- Spontaneous erections and changes in libido have been reported. Reliable frequency data for nasal products are not available.
Serious or urgent concerns
- A prolonged painful erection, severe allergic reaction, fainting, chest symptoms or marked blood-pressure symptoms requires urgent care.
- Any new, changing, irregular, bleeding or persistently itchy pigmented lesion should be assessed promptly.
Who should not use it / precautions
- It should not be used as a tanning or medical product. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and use by children or adolescents are particular concerns.
- People with skin cancer, atypical moles, strong family history of melanoma, cardiovascular disease or conditions predisposing to priapism need medical advice and should avoid unlicensed exposure.
- Sunbeds and ultraviolet exposure remain harmful regardless of skin darkening.
Interactions
- Reliable interaction studies are lacking.
- Combining it with erectile-dysfunction medicines, vasoactive medicines or drugs affecting blood pressure may increase uncertainty and risk.
- Other tanning products do not make Melanotan II safer.
Regulatory / legal status
- Melanotan II is not a UK-authorised medicine. Public-health and cancer organisations warn against unlicensed Melanotan products.
- The HELIX 20mg nasal spray has not been verified as licensed, and the nasal route does not change its regulatory status.
Monitoring / professional supervision
- There is no validated monitoring programme that makes self-use of an unlicensed product safe.
- A healthcare professional or dermatology service should assess concerning skin changes; urgent symptoms require urgent care.
- Regular sun protection and evidence-based skin surveillance remain important.
Evidence & sources
Sources are selected for regulatory status, recognised uses and material safety information. They do not validate the HELIX-labelled presentation.
- Cancer Research UK — Melanotan injections and nasal sprays
- Peer-reviewed review — Melanotan II safety concerns
- PubMed — Early clinical investigation of Melanotan II
- UK government — Image and performance enhancing drugs guidance
Sources accessed and content reviewed 12 September 2026. Regulatory status can change; consult the current official record.
Information disclaimer
HELIX — FOR INFORMATION ONLY. NOT FOR SALE.
The products displayed on this website are presented strictly for informational and educational purposes, helping visitors understand their descriptions, features and specifications. No products are offered for sale through this website, and no product orders or payments are accepted through this platform.
The information on this website does not constitute medical advice, a prescription or a recommendation to use any product. Displaying a product does not establish its regulatory approval, safety or suitability for an individual. Please consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional for personal medical advice.
For a UK-facing website, this disclaimer does not by itself establish legal compliance. Public advertising of prescription-only medicines and advertising of unlicensed medicines are subject to legal restrictions; the catalogue, wording and presentation require appropriate regulatory review.
Licensed-provider information
Where permitted by applicable law, HELIX may display contact details for independent third-party providers whose registration details have been checked against an appropriate official register. Visitors may contact a listed provider directly to enquire about lawful availability and eligibility requirements.
Any supply is subject to the provider’s assessment, applicable regulations, and verification of all required documentation, which may include a valid prescription, professional licence, identification or other authorisation. A referral does not guarantee availability, eligibility or supply.
Registration status can change. Review the provider's regulator, registration number, official-register record and last-checked date, then verify the current status independently before engaging.