Oxandrolone is a synthetic steroid derived from testosterone. It is prescribed to treat conditions such as alcoholic hepatitis, moderate protein-calorie malnutrition, growth failure, and Turner syndrome due to its anabolic and androgenic properties.
Although oxandrolone is sometimes misused as an anabolic steroid to enhance athletic performance or promote muscle gain, this use is not recommended and can be dangerous. Misuse of oxandrolone can cause serious health complications, especially affecting liver function.
This medication should only be taken with a doctor’s prescription and purchased at a pharmacy that retains a copy of the prescription as required by law.
Medical uses
Oxandrolone is indicated for the treatment of:
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Moderate to severe acute alcoholic hepatitis
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Protein-calorie malnutrition
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Turner syndrome
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Growth failure
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Tissue loss or catabolic conditions
The use of oxandrolone to improve athletic performance is harmful and not approved for this purpose. It should only be taken under medical supervision to ensure safe and effective treatment.
How to take
Oxandrolone is taken by mouth, and the dose should always be prescribed by a doctor based on the purpose of treatment, body weight, and overall health.
In general, the recommended adult dose is 2.5 mg taken two to four times per day, as directed by a healthcare provider. The total daily dose should not exceed 20 mg.
For children, the dosage should be calculated by a pediatrician according to body weight.
Treatment duration
The length of oxandrolone treatment should be determined by a doctor. In most cases, it is recommended for short-term use, typically lasting 2 to 4 weeks.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects of oxandrolone include the development of male secondary sexual characteristics in women, such as:
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Deepening of the voice
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Increased body hair
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Skin changes
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Irregular menstrual cycles
Other side effects may include bladder irritation, breast tenderness or pain, breast enlargement in men (gynecomastia), prolonged or painful erections (priapism), and acne.
Oxandrolone can also cause serious liver problems, which may be recognized through symptoms such as nausea, pain in the upper right abdomen, itching, dark urine, pale stools and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). Read more about liver disease symptoms and how they can present.
Who should not use oxandrolone
Oxandrolone should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women or by people with:
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Metastatic breast cancer
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High blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
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Severe liver disease
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Kidney inflammation
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Prostate cancer
It should also be avoided by anyone allergic to oxandrolone or any of its ingredients.
People with heart, liver, or kidney disease, a history of coronary artery disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or enlarged prostate should only use oxandrolone under close medical supervision.