Oxandrolone
Pronunciation:ok-SAN-droh-lohn
Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number:53-39-4
Formal Names:Anatrophill, Anavar, Lipidex, Lonavar, Oxandrin, Provitar, Vaso-
rome
Type:Anabolic steroid.Seepage 24
Federal Schedule Listing:Schedule III (DEA no. 4000)
USA Availability:Prescription
Pregnancy Category:X
Uses.This drug is used to encourage return of adequate heaviness in per-
sons who have lost too much weight from illness, injury, or medical therapy.
Experiments with AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) patients mea-
sured substantial improvement in weight and strength. Oxandrolone may di-
minish pain from a bone disease called osteoporosis, although the drug has
potential for worsening the underlying bone affliction. In rats and in humans
the drug has hastened healing of wounds. Experimental therapy using oxan-
drolone against Duchenne muscular dystrophy has been successful.
Drawbacks.Nausea and diarrhea are among the less serious reports of un-
wanted effects. The substance can masculinize female users and interfere with
menstrual periods. In immature rats oxandrolone has drastically interfered
with the male reproductive system, a finding that may be relevant to young
athletes using the compound without medical supervision. In humans the sub-
stance can promote prostate disease and should be avoided by men with
breast cancer and generally by anyone with kidney disease (although doctors
sometimes give oxandrolone to dialysis patients). The drug has been used to
treat hepatitis in alcoholics despite its ability to interfere with bile flow and
to cause jaundice or liver malfunction. Fluid retention can occur and be a
serious problem for heart patients. Other unwanted effects may include over-
all higher cholesterol levels (accompanied by reduction of the HDL “good
cholesterol”), although unlike some other drugs of this type, oxandrolone has
been seen to reduce levels of triglycerides (which are associated with increased
risk of heart attack and stroke), and in some cases oxandrolone reduced over-
all cholesterol as well. Such effects may, however, depend upon what causes
the original levels. Oxandrolone can bring about premature bone maturation
in children, preventing attainment of normal adult height. Nonetheless, the