Melanotan 2 was initially created as a possible preventative measure against different types of skin cancer. It was believed that by artificially boosting the body's natural tanning process in individuals who are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer due to sun exposure, it might reduce the likelihood of these people contracting the disease later on.
In addition to offering a tan without requiring extensive sun exposure, and enhancing sexual performance and/or libido, Melanotan 2 may also aid in reducing appetite by targeting an appetite-suppressing receptor in the brain. This effect, while not overwhelming, is noticeable to most users and is sought after by many. The length of time the tanning effect lasts after a user stops taking the drug will vary based on several factors. However, most users will observe that the tan produced by the drug tends to fade and become less noticeable within four to eight weeks of discontinuing its use.
For the majority of users, during the initial loading phase with the hormone, a dosage ranging from 0.015 to 0.02 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per injection is typically adequate. These injections can occur anywhere from twice a day to as infrequently as every other day or longer. During the maintenance phase, many users find that a dose of around 0.01 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, administered once every few days, is enough to sustain the effects of the hormone.