What is Oxandrolone (Anavar)?
Oxandrolone (Anavar)belongs to a class of drugs called anabolic steroids. Specifically, Oxandrolone is a synthetic testosterone derivative, which therefore has similar androgenic and anabolic actions (and side effects).
Brand Names
- Oxandrin
- Anavar
Contraindications to Oxandrolone (Anavar):
- Pregnancy! – do NOT take this medication if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant (class X teratogen)
- Nephrosis
- Hypercalcemia
- Female patients with breast cancer
- Male patients with breast or prostate cancer
Indications:
Weight gain (adjunctive therapy). Oxandrolone is used as adjunctive therapy (aka in combination with another treatment) to promote weight gain after weight loss following extensive surgery, chronic infections, or severe trauma.
Off-Label Uses:
- Severe Burns – to be administered via an enteral feeding tube (dissolve oxandrolone in ethanol) in patients unable to tolerate oral administration
- Osteoporosis-related bone pain
- Anavar is also Used after taking a class of drug called corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone/prednisone.
Abuse of Anabolic Steroids:
Anabolic Steroids like Oxandrolone (Anavar) are abused by athletes to enhance strength, endurance, and lean muscle size. BodyBuilders, in particular, have been known to use Anabolic Steroids.
Serious Effect of Abuse:
- Aggressive behaviour
- Paranoia
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Tendonitis
- Tendon Rupture
- Heart Issues
- Liver Failure
- This is not a full list of potential side effects
Adverse Drug Reactions:
- Peliosis hepatis
- Liver cell tumor (androgen-dependent)
- Increased serum lipids — increased risk of atherosclerosis
- Oligospermia
- Polycythemia
- Priapism
Pregnancy – Oxandrolone is a Class X Teratogen
Do not useOxandrolone (Anavar) during Pregnancy.
It is not known if oxandrolone is excreted in breast milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in the nursing infant, breastfeeding is not recommended.
Monitoring Recommendations:
- Liver function tests
- Cholesterol profile
- hemoglobin and hematocrit
- In patients on anticoagulant therapy – monitor PT/INR