Oxymetholone
Pronunciation:ok-see-METH-ah-lohn
Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number:434-07-1
Formal Names:Adroyd, Anadrol, Anapolon, Anasteron, Oxymethalone
Type:Anabolic steroid.Seepage 24
Federal Schedule Listing:Schedule III (DEA no. 4000)
USA Availability:Prescription
Pregnancy Category:X
Uses.This drug’s main medical usage is for treatment of anemia and other
blood disorders. The compound has also seen success against hereditary an-
gioedema, a condition involving painful swelling of body tissues. Discourage-
ment of blood clots and encouragement of weight gain are other medical
applications. Particular success has been noted in weight gain with HIV/AIDS
(human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) pa-
tients, accompanied by general improvement in quality of life. Cancer patients
have also benefitted from the drug’s weight-gain property. An experiment
indicated that short-term dosage can help persons suffering from heart failure.
In another experiment the drug improved bone density in bedridden people.
Still another experiment showed that oxymetholone can boost height and
weight in boys and girls who are small for their age; such usage requires
careful monitoring, as the substance has potential for stopping bone growth
and thereby preventing attainment of normal adult height.
Drawbacks.Oxymetholone can produce masculine physical characteristics
in women (facial hair, deeper voice) and disrupt the menstrual cycle; some
authorities indicate that such masculinization is uncommon. Experimentation
with male rats lowered their blood levels oftestosteroneand halted sexual
activity. In human males oxymetholone may promote enlargement of the pros-
tate gland. Men with prostate or breast cancer should avoid the drug, as
should women who have both breast cancer and signs of a bone-weakening
disease called osteoporosis. Oxymetholone can damage the liver and, in un-
usual circumstances, is associated with fatal harm to the spleen. Cholesterol
levels can rise, increasing the risk of conditions leading to heart attack and
stroke; kidney dialysis patients are considered to be at special risk for such
outcomes. Case reports attribute stroke to oxymetholone. The drug may cause
fluid retention, a possible hazard for persons with heart, liver, or kidney dis-