Melanotan I

uestion": "What is Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) primarily used for?", "answer": "Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is primarily used for photoprotection in adult patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare genetic disorder that causes severe photosensitivity to light (FDA label)."}, {"question": "How does Afamelanotide help with sun protection?", "answer": "Afamelanotide works by mimicking a natural hormone to stimulate melanocytes in the skin to produce more melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color and UV protection. This increased melanin provides enhanced photoprotection (EMA SmPC)."}, {"question": "Is Afamelanotide a tanning agent for cosmetic purposes?", "answer": "While afamelanotide does cause skin darkening, its approved use is for therapeutic photoprotection in specific medical conditions like EPP, not for cosmetic tanning. Its safety and efficacy for cosmetic use have not been established (FDA label)."}, {"question": "What are the common side effects of Afamelanotide?", "answer": "Common side effects include injection site reactions, nausea, headache, fatigue, dizziness, and hyperpigmentation (skin darkening). Patients should discuss any side effects with their doctor (FDA label)."}, {"question": "How is Afamelanotide administered?", "answer": "Afamelanotide is administered as a small subcutaneous implant, typically inserted by a healthcare professional, which slowly releases the medication over several months (FDA label)."}]