Oxandrolone, commonly known by the brand name Anavar, is an anabolic steroid that has garnered attention for its potential to promote weight gain, maintain muscle mass, and relieve bone pain in specific medical conditions. It is a synthetic derivative of testosterone, exhibiting similar anabolic (muscle-building) and androgenic (hormone-related) effects. While oxandrolone is not primarily a weight loss drug, its impact on body composition and muscle function has led to its use in certain clinical settings.
Uses of Oxandrolone
Oxandrolone is commonly used for the following conditions:
- Muscle Preservation: To help the body maintain muscle mass during long-term steroid treatment that causes protein breakdown (protein catabolism).
- Bone Pain Relief: To relieve bone pain associated with osteoporosis (thinning of bones).
- Weight Gain Promotion: To promote weight gain in individuals who have experienced significant weight loss due to major surgery, illness, trauma, or infection, or who struggle to gain or maintain a healthy weight.
It's crucial to note that FDA-approved forms of oxandrolone have been discontinued in the United States, and its use should be strictly under medical supervision.
How Oxandrolone Works
Oxandrolone functions similarly to the hormone testosterone, exerting both anabolic and androgenic effects. Its primary mechanism of action involves increasing protein synthesis within the body, which contributes to muscle growth and increased body weight.
Dosage and Administration
Oxandrolone is available in oral tablet form, typically in strengths of 2.5 mg and 10 mg. The dosage and duration of treatment are determined by a healthcare professional based on the individual's medical condition, response to treatment, and tolerability. It's usually taken two to four times a day.
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Adults:The typical adult dosage ranges from 2.5 mg two to four times daily. The total daily dose may range from 2.5 to 20 mg, administered in divided doses. Intermittent use is recommended, with a usual duration of 2 to 4 weeks, which may be repeated as needed. Dosage and duration are adjusted based on efficacy and tolerability, with adequate caloric and protein consumption being essential.
Geriatric:For elderly patients, a lower dose of 5 mg twice daily is generally recommended, used intermittently. Similar to adults, the duration is typically 2 to 4 weeks, repeated as needed, adjusted to efficacy and tolerability, and supplemented with adequate caloric and protein intake.
Children and Adolescents:In children and adolescents, the dosage is typically 0.1 mg/kg/day or less of body weight orally, divided into 2 to 4 doses, not exceeding the maximum adult dosage of 20 mg/day. It is used intermittently, with adjustments for efficacy and tolerability, alongside adequate caloric and protein consumption.
Oxandrolone for Weight Loss in Burn Patients: A Study
One specific study investigated the effects of oxandrolone in conjunction with a high-protein diet on weight gain and muscle function recovery in patients recovering from severe burns.
Study Design
The prospective, randomized study involved patients with deep burns covering 30% to 50% of their total body surface area. The patients were divided into groups:
- Oxandrolone-Protein Group (n=7): Received oxandrolone (10 mg orally twice a day) combined with a high-protein diet (2 g/kg/day).
- High-Protein Alone Group (n=6): Received an isocaloric diet with a high-protein content (2 g/kg/day).
- Retrospective Group (n=10): Data were retrospectively compared with a group of burn patients treated with a high-calorie, high-protein diet containing 1.3 to 1.4 g/kg/day of protein.
Muscle function was assessed using a physical therapy index, with a higher score indicating a faster rate of progress.
Key Findings
- Weight Loss During Catabolic Phase: All patients experienced a mean weight loss of 11% ± 2% of their pre-burn weight during the catabolic phase, despite optimal nutrition and early wound closure.
- Weight Gain During Recovery: The oxandrolone-protein group exhibited significantly greater weight gain during the first 3 weeks (14.5 ± 2.5 pounds) compared to the high-protein alone group (7.5 ± 1.7 pounds) and the retrospective group (4.4 ± 0.8 pounds).
- Muscle Function Recovery: The physical therapy index was significantly higher in the oxandrolone-protein group (8.8 ± 0.5) compared to the high-protein alone group (7.0 ± 0.8) and the retrospective group (4.1 ± 0.5).
- Caloric Intake: The daily caloric intake was similar across all groups, with protein content and oxandrolone being the primary variables.
- Side Effects: No side effects were observed with oxandrolone in this study.
Interpretation
The study suggests that oxandrolone, when combined with a high-protein diet, can significantly enhance weight gain and muscle function recovery in burn patients during the recovery phase. The anabolic effects of oxandrolone, coupled with sufficient protein intake, likely contribute to accelerated muscle protein synthesis and overall tissue repair.
Potential Side Effects
While oxandrolone can be beneficial in certain situations, it's essential to be aware of potential side effects:
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- Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, changes in skin color, swollen ankles or fluid retention, changes in the size of genitals, erection problems, changes in sex drive, mood changes, trouble sleeping, irregular periods, breast changes, excessive hair growth or hair loss, acne, and changes in how the body uses sugar.
- Serious Side Effects: Severe allergic reactions, liver problems (hepatotoxicity), bleeding, metabolic problems (changes in blood sugar and cholesterol levels), and growth problems in children.
It is important to contact your health care provider right away if you have yellowing of your skin or eyes, unusual tiredness, or bad stomach pain or if you bruise or bleed more easily than usual.
Warnings and Precautions
Oxandrolone is contraindicated in certain individuals:
- Allergies: People allergic to oxandrolone or any of its ingredients.
- Certain Cancers: Individuals with prostate cancer or, in general, breast cancer.
- High Calcium Levels: People with high levels of calcium in their blood (hypercalcemia).
- Kidney Damage: Individuals with certain types of kidney inflammation (nephritis).
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women due to the potential for harm to the fetus.
Before taking oxandrolone, it's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medical conditions, medications, and supplements you are taking. Oxandrolone is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence. It should be stored securely and never shared with others. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.
Drug Interactions
Oxandrolone may interact with certain medications, including:
- Warfarin (a blood thinner)
- Medicines for diabetes
- Corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, prednisone)
- Corticotropin
- Cyclosporine
Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.
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Considerations for Specific Populations
- Children: Oxandrolone may cause bones to mature too quickly in children, which can limit their adult height. Regular monitoring of bone development is necessary.
- Older Adults: People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk of some side effects from oxandrolone.