WHAT IS OXANDROLONE?
Oxandrolone is a man-made steroid, similar to the naturally occurring steroid testosterone. Oxandrolone is an "anabolic" steroid that promotes the growth of muscle tissue.
Oxandrolone is used to help you regain weight lost after surgery, severe trauma, or chronic infections. Oxandrolone is also used in people who cannot gain or maintain a healthy weight for unknown medical reasons.
Oxandrolone is also used to decrease muscle loss caused by using steroid medicines, and to reduce bone pain in people with osteoporosis.
USES
Promotes muscle growth: Helps regain weight lost after surgery, severe trauma, or chronic infections.
Treats bone pain: Used to reduce bone pain in people with osteoporosis.
Weight maintenance: Assists individuals who cannot gain or maintain a healthy weight for unknown medical reasons.
Mechanisms of Action of Oxandrolone 10mg Tablets
Oxandrolone is an anabolic steroid that primarily works by enhancing protein synthesis and promoting muscle growth. Here are the key mechanisms:
Protein Synthesis Enhancement:
- Increases nitrogen retention: This helps in building muscle mass by retaining more nitrogen, which is a crucial component of muscle protein.
- Stimulates ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis: This leads to an increase in protein production within muscle cells.
Reduction of Glucocorticoid Activity:
- Inhibits catabolic effects: Glucocorticoids are hormones that break down muscle tissue. Oxandrolone reduces their activity, thereby preventing muscle breakdown.
Increased Red Blood Cell Production:
- Enhances erythropoiesis: This process increases the production of red blood cells, improving oxygen delivery to muscles and enhancing endurance.
Binding to Androgen Receptors:
- Activates androgen receptors: This leads to anabolic (muscle-building) and androgenic (development of male characteristics) effects.
Reduction of Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG):
- Increases free testosterone: By reducing SHBG, oxandrolone increases the amount of free testosterone available in the body, which can further promote muscle growth.
Contraindications of Oxandrolone 10mg Tablets
Oxandrolone should not be used in the following conditions:
Prostate Cancer: Contraindicated in patients with known or suspected prostate cancer12.
Breast Cancer: Not suitable for individuals with male or female breast cancer, especially if associated with hypercalcemia34.
Pregnancy: Should not be used during pregnancy due to the risk of masculinization of the fetus34.
Kidney Disease: Contraindicated in patients with advanced kidney disease3.
Hypercalcemia: Not recommended for individuals with high levels of calcium in the blood3.
Precautions
Liver Function: Regular monitoring of liver function is essential as oxandrolone can cause liver damage, including peliosis hepatis and liver tumors2.
Cardiovascular Health: Patients with heart disease, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure should use oxandrolone with caution due to potential changes in blood lipid levels25.
Diabetes: Blood sugar levels should be monitored closely as oxandrolone can affect glucose metabolism5.
Pediatric Use: Use in children should be carefully monitored due to the risk of affecting growth and sexual development2.
Elderly Patients: Increased risk of prostate enlargement and prostate cancer in elderly men.
Before using oxandrolone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain mineral imbalance (high calcium blood level), heart disease (such as heart failure, chest pain, heart attack), liver problems, kidney problems, cancer (such as breast cancer, prostate cancer), high cholesterol, high blood pressure, enlarged prostate, breathing problems (such as sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), diabetes.
If you have diabetes, this product may lower your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low blood sugar, such as sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
Tell your doctor if you become bed-ridden (unable to walk) for a prolonged time while using this medication. Your doctor may monitor your blood calcium level to prevent problems.
Older adults may be at greater risk for prostate/liver problems and swelling of arms/legs while using this drug.
Interactions of Oxandrolone 10mg Tablets
Oxandrolone can interact with several other medications, potentially altering their effects or increasing the risk of adverse reactions. Here are some key interactions:
Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners):
Increased sensitivity: Oxandrolone may enhance the effects of oral anticoagulants like warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding12.
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents:
Inhibited metabolism: It can inhibit the metabolism of drugs used to manage diabetes, potentially leading to altered blood sugar levels2.
Adrenal Steroids or ACTH:
Increased edema: When used with adrenal steroids or ACTH, there is an increased risk of fluid retention and edema2.
Cyclosporine:
Serious interaction: Oxandrolone can increase the levels of cyclosporine, raising the risk of toxicity3.
Pexidartinib and Pretomanid:
Serious interactions: These drugs can have significant interactions with oxandrolone, potentially leading to severe side effects3.
Carbamazepine:
Moderate interaction: This anticonvulsant may interact with oxandrolone, requiring close monitoring3.
Laboratory Test Interactions
Thyroid Function Tests: Oxandrolone may interfere with certain lab tests, such as thyroid function tests, causing false results.
Nausea, vomiting, headache, skin color changes, increased/decreased sexual interest, oily skin, hair loss, and acne may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, depression, increased anger), trouble sleeping/snoring.
If you are male, tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur: trouble urinating, breast swelling/tenderness, too frequent/prolonged erections.
Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.
If you are female, tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur: deepening of the voice, hoarseness, unusual facial/body hair growth, enlarged clitoris, irregular menstrual periods.
This medication can cause your body to hold on to extra body water (edema). This can increase your risk of heart failure. Tell your doctor right away if any of these serious signs of water retention or heart failure occur: shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Here are some important considerations regarding its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Pregnancy
Risk to Unborn Baby: Oxandrolone can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. It is classified as a Category X medication, meaning it should not be used during pregnancy12.
Birth Control: Effective birth control should be used to prevent pregnancy while taking oxandrolone. If you become pregnant while on this medication, inform your doctor immediately1.
Breastfeeding
Unknown Effects: It is not known whether oxandrolone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby12.
Recommendation: Breastfeeding while using oxandrolone is not recommended due to the potential risks to the infant
Oxandrolone 10mg tablets should be stored at room temperature, specifically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)12. It’s important to keep them in a tightly closed container, away from excess heat and moisture, so avoid storing them in the bathroom3. Also, ensure they are kept out of reach of children and pets3.
