Melanotan II User Experience: A Qualitative Study of Online Discussion Forums

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Melanotan II (MT II) is a synthetic analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that, via interaction with the melanocortin 1 receptor, induces skin hyperpigmentation. The unregulated acquisition of MT II injections via the internet and other outlets has become popular over the last decades in order to exploit its properties for use as a tanning agent. Due to the covert nature of MT II use, it is difficult to assess the extent of its use among the general population and to characterise any associated side effects. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The aim of this study was to qualitatively examine MT II use, as portrayed on online forums, and to explore the motivations for its use and side effect profile. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Data were extracted retrospectively from UK and Ireland online chatrooms and forums from January 2016 to October 2017. Inclusion criteria were active MT II chatrooms and forums considered to be within the public domain. An inductive thematic analysis identified themes within discussion threads. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 623 discussion entries were extracted; 205 participants contributed to these entries. Emergent themes included motivation for MT II use, misinformation in the context of using an unregulated product, product preparation and administration, dosing regimens, sunbed use, side effects and concerning practices associated with MT II use. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Motivations for MT II use included the pursuit of a tanned appearance, often in anticipation of sun holidays and fitness/body building competitions. Clinicians should be aware not only of the potential risks in relation to pigmented skin lesions, but also remain cognisant of the other medical hazards associated with the use of this substance, namely transmission of infectious diseases, use of potentially contaminated products, polypharmacy, and sunbed exposure.

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“…Given the covert nature of Melanotan use, users often seek access and advice about it on internet forums 6 . Many influential and apparently authoritative chatroom statements provided peer‐to‐peer assurance regarding the safety of Melanotan and provide advice on dosage, without any supportive scientific evidence, by users without any medical credentials.…”

“…Melanotan was also promoted as safer than tanning using fake tan, with users claiming that it provided natural protection against sunburn and skin cancer. Many national regulatory agencies for healthcare products have issued safety warnings about the use of Melanotan 6 . Apart from the intended effect of cutaneous hyperpigmentation, known adverse effects of Melanotan include the development or evolution of pigmented lesions, including multiple reports of melanoma, priapism, infections related to nonsterile water used for reconstitution and blood‐borne infections such as HIV related to needle sharing.…”

“…Given the covert nature of Melanotan use, users often seek access and advice about it on internet forums. 6 Many influential and apparently authoritative chatroom statements provided peer‐to‐peer assurance regarding the safety of Melanotan and provide advice on dosage, without any supportive scientific evidence, by users without any medical credentials. Although some comments claimed that Melanotan was safer than sunbeds or other forms of UV exposure, Melanotan abuse is strongly associated with use of sunbeds anabolic steroids, especially in the context of bodybuilders preparing for fitness competitions.…”

“…Many national regulatory agencies for healthcare products have issued safety warnings about the use of Melanotan. 6 Apart from the intended effect of cutaneous hyperpigmentation, known adverse effects of Melanotan include the development or evolution of pigmented lesions, including multiple reports of melanoma, priapism, infections related to nonsterile water used for reconstitution and blood‐borne infections such as HIV related to needle sharing. The unregulated nature of Melanotan also means that adulteration with other drugs is more likely.…”