Melanotan Causes Priapism: A Rare but Serious Side Effect

Melanocortin analogues, like melanotan, are often used illegally for artificial tanning and have also been investigated as potential treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED). Despite their proposed therapeutic uses, the full spectrum of their side effects, particularly serious complications like priapism (a prolonged, painful erection), remains largely undocumented, especially in a clinical setting. This case report specifically addresses the lack of reported cases of acute priapism associated with melanocortin analogue use, highlighting a critical knowledge gap for both recreational users and potential therapeutic applications.

The patient successfully avoided the need for surgical shunting, a more invasive procedure often required for persistent priapism, which can lead to permanent damage. However, despite the immediate resolution of the erection, the patient had not recovered normal erectile function at 4-week follow-up, indicating a significant long-term impact. This case uniquely identifies acute priapism as a previously unreported side effect of melanocortin analogue use, underscoring a critical safety concern. The most significant finding is the occurrence of acute, 'low-flow' priapism in an adult male after melanotan administration, managed non-surgically but resulting in a lack of erectile function recovery at 4-week follow-up.