What is Oxandrolone?

Oxandrolone is an anabolic steroid that can be used for increasing the involuntary weight loss, especially muscle loss. Generally, anabolic steroids have the same properties as testosterone; the only difference is that steroids are synthetic derivatives while testosterone is a naturally produced hormone by the body. The clinical action of oxandrolone is similar to the male sex hormones, however if used improperly it may cause serious adverse reactions. It is not recommended the use in children as it may cause serious disturbances in sexual development.

Contraindications:

·Do not take oxandrolone if you have a known or depicted carcinoma of the prostate or the male breast.

·It is not recommended the use of the drug in females, especially during pregnancy, as it may cause serious side effects to the fetus.

·Do not take oxandrolone if you have increased levels of calcium or so called hypercalcemia. If the use of the drug is strictly necessary, review the information about the drug and take it in lower doses.

What you need to know before taking oxandrolone

Even if the mechanism of action is very similar to the naturally produced hormones by the body, it is necessary to take some measures of precaution, especially in males with certain medical conditions.

·Oxandrolone has the property of increasing low-density lipoproteins and decreasing high-density lipoproteins. If these changes cause serious disturbance during the therapy such as coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis, it is necessary to discontinue the drug. After discontinuation with oxandrolone, these levels revert to normal.

·Males with hepatic dysfunction should be aware of the side effects from the therapy with oxandrolone. These side effects are most of the times not recognized until liver failure or intra-abdominal hemorrhage develops. Therefore, males with hepatic dysfunction or known disturbances are indicated to take the drug in lower doses and assess the liver function once in a while in order to make sure there is low chance of developing such adverse effects or worsening of existing medical condition.

·As a measure of precaution, it is recommended to make liver function tests while on therapy with this drug in order to avoid cholestatic hepatitis and jaundice. Such adverse effects may occur even at a relatively low dose.

·If hypercalcemia occurs, it is necessary to discontinue with the drug.

·Also, males with pre-existing cardiac or renal diseases should be aware of the serious complications such as edema with or without congestive heart failure while on therapy with oxandrolone.

The enumerated conditions above are important measures of precaution for males with existing medical conditions. Such cases are rare and generally are attenuated with the discontinuation of the steroid. It may be used in women, but the side effects are more severe than for men, therefore it should be administered with maximum care.

How to take oxandrolone?

As already mentioned, oxandrolone promotes the weight gain after an involuntary loss, especially in muscle mass. It is important to control the doses in order to avoid drug abuse and dependence. Clinical studies show that oxandrolone is a non-narcotic drug, however, increased doses may cause adverse reactions. The duration of therapy with oxandrolone depends on the response to it. It does not enhance the athletic ability; therefore it should be taken until the desired effects are achieved. Oxandrolone is an anabolic steroid that comes in form of tablets. The doses are different for each person due to the fact that the response to oxandrolone varies from person to person. However, the normal daily dose is 2.5 to 20mg given in 2 to 4 divided doses. It is recommended to take for a period of 4 weeks and control the doses in such a way to obtain the desired effects without producing any discomfort and disturbances for the body.

Interaction with other drugs

As oxandrolone is an anabolic steroid, its interaction with other drugs may result in worsening or developing of adverse reactions. It should not be taken at the same time with anticoagulants due to the fact that oxandrolone may increase sensitivity to oral anticoagulants. If the use of both drugs is necessary, then it is indicated to decrease the dosage of the anticoagulant in order to maintain the prothrombin time. It is also not indicated the concomitant use of the oxandrolone with oral hypoglycemic drugs, because it may inhibit their metabolism and the mechanism of action will be lost. Also, oxandrolone in interaction with adrenal steroids or adrenocorticotropic hormone may increase the edema.

Possible side effects from the use of oxandrolone

As in case with many other anabolic steroids, oxandrolone may cause adverse reactions. These are specific to the most of the anabolic steroids, however all oxandrolone users should be aware of them and if some of them develop it is necessary to discontinue with the drug.

The most frequent or common side effects in males are the following:

·Too frequent or persistent erections;

·Skin side effects such as acne, changes in skin color;

·Ankle swelling;

·Gynecomastia;

·Nausea and vomiting.

In woman, oxandrolone may cause the following side effects:

·Virilization or so called deepening of the voice;

·Changes in menstrual periods;

·Clitoral enlargement;

·More facial hair, hirsutism and others.

More rare side effects associated with the use of oxandrolone are the following:

·Cholestatic hepatitis and jaundice;

·On long-term therapy with oxandrolone there is a chance of developing hepatocellular neoplasms and peliosis hepatis.

·Inhibition of testicular function, testicular athrophy, chronic priapism, impotence and others.

·Central nervous system side effects such as excitation, depression, insomnia, changes in libido.

Drug dependence or overdosage

There have not been reported any cases of overdosage with oxandrolone; therefore there are no symptoms or signs of overdose with oxandrolone. During the dependence with the drug, which means taking it in increasing doses and more frequently it is possible that sodium and water retention may occur. If this is the case, it is necessary the gastric lavage in order to avoid any further disturbances or development of severe side effects.

Storage

Keep the drug out of the reach of children, in a safe and dry place at the room temperature. Avoid the direct exposure to sun. Discard the drug safely