Melanotan Tanning Injection: A Rare Cause of Priapism

• Main Authors: Chase W. Mallory, BHS, Diana M. Lopategui, MD, Billy H. Cordon, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021-02-01
• Series: Sexual Medicine
• Subjects: Melanotan; Melanocortin; Priapism; Penoscrotal Decompression; Erectile Dysfunction
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2050116120301859

Melanotan II, an injectable melanocortin analog, is illicitly available on the internet to generate a sunless tan through melanocyte induction. It is also used as a sexual stimulant in unlicensed performance enhancement clinics, and has been investigated as a possible treatment agent in erectile dysfunction. We describe in this case report a patient presenting with acute ischemic priapism after subcutaneous injection of melanotan II. The patient was initially managed with cavernosal aspiration and irrigation, and intracavernous injection of phenylephrine without achieving detumescence. After failing initial management, the patient underwent operative management with penoscrotal decompression, a promising alternative technique for the management of refractory ischemic priapism. Priapism after melanotan II injection has only been reported in the literature twice before. This case report highlights a rare presentation of acute ischemic priapism after melanotan II use, managed with surgical decompression. Future therapeutic applications of these agents and updated management guidelines should consider priapism as a possible side effect.CW. Mallory, DM Lopategui, BH. Cordon. Melanotan Tanning Injection: A Rare Cause of Priapism. Sex Med 2021;9:100298.