Description
Oxymetholone (Anadrol)
Oxymetholone (Anadrol) , commonly sold under the brand name
Anadrol (and formerly Anapolon), is a potent oral anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Originally developed in the 1960s, it is primarily used in medicine to treat severe anemias (such as aplastic anemia) and for managing muscle-wasting conditions, including those associated with HIV/AIDS. It is known for its high potency in rapidly increasing body mass, strength, and protein
- Anemia Treatment: FDA-approved to treat anemias caused by deficient red cell production, including congenital or acquired aplastic anemia and myelofibrosis.
- Muscle Wasting & Weight Gain: Used to counteract muscle-wasting in patients with HIV/AIDS, or following severe trauma, chronic infections, or surgery.
- Osteoporosis: Sometimes used to treat bone pain associated with osteoporosis.
- Key Characteristics & Mechanism
- Potency: Considered one of the most powerful oral AAS available.
- Administration: Taken orally, usually in 50 mg tablets.
- Mechanism: It acts as an agonist of the androgen receptor, strongly increasing erythropoietin (EPO) production to boost red blood cell count and improving protein synthesis.
Side Effects and Risks
Oxymetholone carries severe risks, particularly with long-term use, and is known for producing intense side effects.
Serious Side Effects of Oxymetholone (Anadrol):
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- Liver Damage/Toxicity: Long-term use is associated with cholestatic jaundice, peliosis hepatis (blood-filled cysts), and liver tumors (both benign and malignant).
- Cardiovascular Issues: Can lead to high blood pressure, increased LDL cholesterol, and decreased HDL cholesterol, raising the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Significant suppression of natural testosterone production, leading to testicular atrophy.
Common/Other Side Effects of Oxymetholone (Anadrol):
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- Estrogenic Effects: Despite being a DHT derivative, it has high estrogenicity, causing water retention and gynaecomastia (breast tissue growth in men).
- Virilization (Women): Causes irreversible male-like features, including voice deepening, hirsutism (increased body hair), clitoral enlargement, and acne.
- Androgenic Effects: Acne, hair loss, and increased aggression (“roid rage”).
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Contraindications and Warnings
pregnancy: Contraindicated due to high risk of fetal harm (Category X).
- Liver/Kidney Disease: Should not be used by individuals with severe liver or kidney dysfunction.
- Cancer: Contraindicated in patients with prostate cancer or male breast cancer.
- Athletic Misuse: It is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list, and a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) is generally not granted
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