About oxandrolone
Oral anabolic-androgenic steroid
Used for
- Promotes weight gain after severe weight loss or major surgery
- May help restore weight after prolonged corticosteroid treatment
- Sometimes used in children with growth failure due to Turner syndrome
Usual adult dose
Usually 2.5–20 mg daily in divided doses for 2–4 weeks; treatment may be repeated as directed.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-directed dosing is based on body weight and condition; no standard dose applies.
Common side effects
- Liver injury or abnormal liver tests
- Swelling, acne, or changes in sexual function
- Changes in cholesterol
- In children, early puberty or impaired growth
Important warnings
- Can cause serious liver problems and liver tumors, especially with prolonged use.
- May reduce natural hormone production and fertility; children need growth monitoring.
- Can worsen cholesterol and increase cardiovascular risk.
- Not suitable for bodybuilding or routine weight loss; misuse can cause serious harm.
Pregnancy
Avoid during pregnancy; it may harm fetal development, including causing masculinization.
Breastfeeding
Avoid during breastfeeding; safety is not established and hormone effects may harm the infant.
Interactions
- Warfarin: may substantially increase bleeding risk; close monitoring is needed.
- Insulin and diabetes medicines: blood glucose effects may change.
- Other liver-toxic medicines may increase liver injury risk.
- Corticosteroids or ACTH may increase fluid retention.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.