Melanotan II Nasal Spray Is Not Safe for Tanning
Melanotan II nasal spray is not safe to use for tanning purposes and should be avoided due to significant health risks including potential development of melanoma, systemic toxicity, and other serious adverse effects.
Safety Concerns with Melanotan II
Melanoma Risk
- Multiple case reports document melanoma development associated with Melanotan II use:
- A 20-year-old woman developed cutaneous melanoma after a 3-4 week course of self-injections with Melanotan II in combination with sunbed use 1
- Four case reports have described melanomas emerging from existing moles during or shortly after Melanotan use 2
- A 22-year-old female developed oral mucosal malignant melanoma after using Melanotan II nasal spray 3
Regulatory Status
- Melanotan II is unlicensed and its sale is illegal in the United Kingdom and many other countries 3
- Multiple national health organizations have issued safety warnings regarding the use of Melanotan I and II 2
Additional Health Risks
- Systemic toxicity with sympathomimetic excess and rhabdomyolysis has been reported:
- A case of a 39-year-old male who developed tachycardia (HR 146 bpm), hypertension, mydriasis, diaphoresis, anxiety, and severe rhabdomyolysis (CPK elevated to 17,773 IU/L) requiring ICU admission after Melanotan II injection 4
- Other concerning risks include:
- Transmission of infectious diseases
- Use of potentially contaminated products
- Polypharmacy interactions
- Increased sunbed exposure 5
Tanning and Skin Cancer Risk
UV Exposure and Skin Cancer
- The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force notes that UV exposure increases the risk for skin cancer among people with all skin types, especially fair-skinned individuals 6
- Intermittent or intense sun exposure is a greater risk factor for melanoma than chronic exposure 6
- Preventing sunburn, especially in childhood, may reduce the lifetime risk for melanoma 6
Sunbeds and Tanning
- The effects of sunlamps and tanning beds on the risk for melanoma are unclear due to limited study design and conflicting results 6
- People who use sunscreen alone could increase their risk for melanoma if they increase time spent in the sun 6
Safe Alternatives for Sun Protection
Instead of using Melanotan II, the following evidence-based sun protection measures are recommended:
- Avoiding direct exposure to midday sun (between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.)
- Covering skin with protective clothing (broad-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and sunglasses)
- Using sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB light 6
Conclusion for Healthcare Providers
When counseling patients about tanning:
- Be aware that Melanotan II is part of a "tanning culture" in certain subpopulations 2
- Educate patients about the significant risks of unregulated Melanotan II products
- Emphasize that these products have not undergone proper safety testing
- Recommend safe sun protection practices instead
- Consider screening patients with suspicious skin changes who report Melanotan use
Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for melanoma in patients who report using Melanotan II, particularly if they have new or changing pigmented lesions.