Important Safety Information
Oxymetholone carries boxed warnings for peliosis hepatis, a condition in which liver and sometimes splenic tissue is replaced with blood-filled cysts, as well as liver cell tumors. These conditions are often not recognized until life-threatening liver failure or intra-abdominal hemorrhage develops.
Anabolic steroids, including oxymetholone, can cause blood lipid changes known to increase the risk of atherosclerosis, including decreased HDL and sometimes increased LDL cholesterol. These changes may be marked and could have a serious impact on cardiovascular risk.
Important
Non-Medical Use
Oxymetholone's approved indications are limited to specific medical conditions involving anemia caused by deficient red cell production. The FDA labeling states that anabolic steroids have not been shown to enhance athletic ability. Use for bodybuilding or performance enhancement falls outside approved medical indications and is associated with significant health risks, including liver toxicity and cardiovascular effects.
Potential Adverse Effects
Commonly reported side effects of oxymetholone include acne, changes in skin oil production, and menstrual irregularities in women. More serious adverse effects include liver toxicity (cholestatic hepatitis, jaundice, peliosis hepatis, and liver tumors), lipid profile changes, and suppression of clotting factors.
In women, virilization effects such as deepening of the voice, hirsutism, acne, and clitoromegaly may occur. Some virilizing changes are irreversible even after discontinuation. In men, oxymetholone can suppress endogenous testosterone production, leading to testicular atrophy and reduced sperm production.
Conditions Requiring Medical Evaluation
Oxymetholone is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected carcinoma of the prostate or male breast, carcinoma of the breast in females with hypercalcemia, pregnancy, nephrosis, and severe hepatic dysfunction.
Oxymetholone should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease, as edema with or without congestive heart failure may be a serious complication. Patients with diabetes may require adjustment of insulin or oral hypoglycemic dosage.
Monitoring During Therapy
Medical oxymetholone therapy typically involves periodic liver function tests due to the hepatotoxicity associated with 17-alpha-alkylated androgens. Lipid profiles and hemoglobin/hematocrit should also be monitored periodically during therapy.
Laboratory testing of the product itself, such as a published potency report, is separate from clinical monitoring of the person using oxymetholone. No published laboratory report is available for this specific product.
Product Care
Storage & Handling
Store in the original packaging, protected from excessive heat, moisture and direct light. Keep all medications out of the reach of children. Follow the storage instructions provided with the product packaging.
Further Safety Information