Oxandrolone
Anabolic steroidsAlso known as Anavar, Oxandrin
An oral with genuine clinical history, burns recovery and weight restoration, and the best-documented pharmacokinetics of any oral here.
How it works
A DHT derivative, 17-alpha-alkylated so it survives first-pass metabolism in the liver. Does not aromatise.
In the body
Shape of a single dose, modelled as one compartment with first-order absorption. The peak is normalised to 100% because bioavailability and volume of distribution are not published for most of these compounds.
9.4 hours in adults, from the approved label. Longer than most orals, which is why once or twice daily is enough.
Doses
2.5 to 20 mg daily for weight gain after weight loss, trauma or prolonged corticosteroid use.
Common non-medical range, above the approved maximum. Liver strain and the fall in HDL both scale with the dose.
Side effects
- A pronounced fall in HDL cholesterol, more so than the injectables, as with all 17-alpha-alkylated orals
- Liver strain; the label carries a warning for peliosis hepatis and liver tumours
- Suppression, which happens on orals just as it does on injectables
- Monitor: ALT and AST
- Monitor: lipids, especially HDL
- Monitor: haematocrit and blood pressure
Cautions
- Existing liver disease
- Prostate or breast cancer
- Pregnancy
- Taking another 17-alpha-alkylated oral at the same time
Status
Prescription-only, Schedule III in the United States. Banned in sport at all times.
Reference information for personal record-keeping. Not medical advice, and not a recommendation to use any of these compounds.