Afamelanotide Dosing Calculator

Dose

0.5-1 mg daily

Frequency

Daily during loading phase (1-2 weeks), then maintenance

Duration

Variable

Route

Subcutaneous injection

Afamelanotide is structurally related to Melanotan-1; some community members discuss off-label tanning use through research peptide channels

Dose

16 mg subcutaneous implant administered by a healthcare provider every 2 months before and during periods of sun exposure.

Frequency

Every 2 months (approximately 5-6 implants per year)

Duration

Seasonal treatment before and during periods of expected sun exposure. Typically administered from spring through fall.

Must be administered by a certified healthcare provider. The implant is placed subcutaneously above the anterior supra-iliac crest using a provided applicator device.

How much bacteriostatic water should I add to a 15 mg vial of Afamelanotide?

The community standard is 2 mL of bacteriostatic water for a 15 mg Afamelanotide vial. That gives a concentration of 7.50 mg/mL, so a 16 mg dose is 213.3 units on a U-100 insulin syringe. Adding 1 mL instead doubles the concentration to 15.00 mg/mL and halves the draw to 106.7 units. Less water = smaller injection volume but harder to measure precisely.

How many syringe units is a 16 mg dose of Afamelanotide?

On a standard U-100 insulin syringe, a 16 mg dose of Afamelanotide is 213.3 units when the 15 mg vial is reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water (7.50 mg/mL). If you use 1 mL of bac water instead, draw 106.7 units (15.00 mg/mL).

What is the standard Afamelanotide dose?

Community-reported protocols for Afamelanotide typically use 16 mg once daily via Subcutaneous implant. 16 mg is a common starting dose. FDA-approved protocol for adults with EPP; administered by healthcare provider

Where do you inject Afamelanotide?

Afamelanotide is typically injected subcutaneous implant. Common sites reported in the literature and by users include: Subcutaneous tissue above the anterior supra-iliac crest (above the hip bone). The implant is placed using a catheter-based applicator provided with the drug. Only this anatomical site is approved.. Rotate sites with each injection to reduce localized irritation.

Can I use sterile water instead of bacteriostatic water for Afamelanotide?

Bacteriostatic water (containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative) is strongly preferred for multi-dose vials like Afamelanotide because it inhibits microbial growth and lets a single vial be used over multiple weeks. Sterile water has no preservative and should generally be reserved for single-use preparations only.