Oxandrolone is a synthetic anabolic steroid, a man-made substance that mimics the effects of testosterone. It is used in medical settings to promote weight gain and muscle development. This medication is available as an oral tablet and was previously sold under brand names such as Oxandrin and Anavar.
Therapeutic Uses
Oxandrolone therapy addresses medical conditions involving involuntary weight loss, muscle wasting, or compromised bone health. It is prescribed to promote weight gain in individuals who have experienced significant weight loss following extensive surgery, chronic infections, or severe trauma. This also includes patients who struggle to gain or maintain a healthy weight.
The medication helps counteract protein breakdown, known as catabolism, which can occur with prolonged corticosteroid administration. For individuals recovering from severe burns, oxandrolone quickens recovery, improves weight regain, and enhances bone mineral density. It also improves lean body mass and accelerates wound healing for donor graft sites in burn patients.
Oxandrolone helps treat muscle wasting conditions, including those associated with HIV/AIDS. It can positively impact the weight and overall well-being of HIV-seropositive patients experiencing wasting and weakness. The medication also helps relieve bone pain linked with osteoporosis, a condition where bones become thin and weak. Furthermore, it has been used to assist in the development of girls with Turner syndrome and in specific cases of hereditary angioedema.
How Oxandrolone Works
Oxandrolone is an anabolic steroid, functioning similarly to naturally occurring androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by interacting with androgen receptors in various tissues. This interaction stimulates protein synthesis within the body’s cells. Increased protein synthesis leads to the growth of muscle tissue and an increase in lean body mass.
The medication also promotes nitrogen retention, which helps create an anabolic state where protein intake is more effectively directed towards muscle growth and repair. This process can also lead to an improved appetite, further supporting weight gain in underweight patients. Compared to many other anabolic steroids, oxandrolone exhibits relatively low androgenic activity, meaning it has a reduced potential for masculinizing side effects, making it a suitable option for use in women and children when medically indicated.
Guidance for Therapy
Oxandrolone is administered orally, typically in tablet form, with dosages ranging from 2.5 mg to 20 mg daily, often divided into two to four doses. The duration of therapy can vary, usually lasting between two to four weeks, but may be extended under medical supervision.
During oxandrolone therapy, individuals may experience potential side effects. Common effects can include nausea, changes in mood or sleep patterns, skin or hair changes, and swelling. More serious potential side effects include hepatic (liver) toxicity, which can manifest as elevated liver enzymes like AST and ALT, and, in rare cases, more severe conditions such as peliosis hepatis or liver tumors. Liver function should be monitored.
Changes in lipid profiles are also a concern, as oxandrolone can decrease high-density lipoprotein (HDL, “good” cholesterol) and sometimes increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL, “bad” cholesterol), potentially raising the risk of heart disease over time. Mild androgenic effects, such as acne, increased hair growth, or voice changes, can occur, particularly in women, and may be irreversible if treatment continues. In children, there is a risk of accelerated bone maturation, which could affect adult height.
Regular medical monitoring is important during oxandrolone therapy. This includes periodic laboratory tests such as liver function tests to check for hepatic changes and lipid panels to assess cholesterol levels. For pediatric patients, regular X-ray examinations of bone age, typically every six months, are necessary to monitor bone maturation and prevent compromised adult height.
Oxandrolone is a controlled substance in the United States and is only available by prescription due to its potential for misuse, addiction, and dependence. It is not intended for recreational use or athletic performance enhancement. The medication is contraindicated in individuals with known or suspected prostate cancer, male breast cancer, or breast cancer in females with high calcium levels. It should also not be used during pregnancy due to the risk of fetal masculinization, or in patients with severe liver or kidney disease.