Anadrol is a synthetic anabolic steroid, of Di-hydrotestosterone derivative, used in correcting anemic conditions. It was released into the market in 1960 to remedy muscle wasting and low red blood cells. Bodybuilders realized it was effective in boosting muscle mass and began to utilize it on a large scale. Its role is to increase erythropoietin hormone levels essential in the production of erythrocytes.
Anabolic steroid is a synthetic form of testosterone. Anabolic steroids improve the nitrogen balance but only in the presence of adequate proteins and calories. Oxymetholone (Anadrol) promotes anabolic activities by blocking cortisol uptake in the muscle and liver cells, thus inhibiting muscle tissue breakdown. It also stimulates the urinary excretion and erythropoietin hormone production in anemic patients because of the failed bone marrow. The outcome is enabled erythropoiesis because of insufficient production of erythrocytes.
Benefits
- Anadrol is among the most effective anabolic steroids.
It has a fast onset of action resulting in incredible outcomes within 24 hours. It boosts the muscle mass two folds faster than other anabolic steroids. For the first 14 days of its use, it is associated with 0.5kg gain each day. Bodybuilders also prefer it because of affordability and convenient administration. It does not involve injection.
- Faster recovery
Patients on Anadrol report improved recovery time.
- Gain of Strength
It is a fact that even a repeat enables you to be more enduring with increased lean body mass, increased strength, and improved muscle mass.
- More Stamina
Since oxymetholone stimulates the production of red blood cells, it implies that there will be improved oxygen supply and concentration in the muscles. Oxymetholone therapy allows you to undertake challenging exercise. Other benefits include fast onset of action and its role in burning the fats.
Side Effects
Despite the merits, Anadrol has its demerits too. The major problem associated with Anadrol is hepatotoxicity. In its chemistry, its chemistry, it is alkylated at Carbon 17, enabling it to evade liver metabolism when taken orally. However, it accumulates in the liver leading to its toxicity.
- Peliosis Hepatitis
In this condition, blood-filled cysts replace splenic and liver tissues in patients on anabolic steroids such as Anadrol. Sometimes, the cysts are associated with few hepatic problems, but in some cases, the cyst is associated with hepatic failure. Mostly, they aren’t recognized till there is intra-abdominal bleeding or severe hepatic failure. Withdrawal of oxymetholone medication will cause the total disappearance of the lesions.
- Hepatocyte Tumors
In some patients, tumors occur in liver cells. Most of these tumors affecting liver cells are benign and dependent on androgens. Withdrawal of oxymetholone medication inhibits the tumor growth. However, it is essential to note that hepatic tumors caused by anabolic steroids such as Anadrol are often silent until intra-abdominal bleeding is detected, which is life-threatening.
- Cholestatic Hepatitis
At low doses, oxymethalone may cause jaundice and cholestatic hepatitis. The painless jaundice maybe be linked with painful right upper-quadrant and liver enlargement. It is often confused with bile duct obstruction. Discontinuation of oxymetholone causes the reversal of the jaundice, which is drug-induced. While on oxymetholone therapy, consider having regular liver tests.
Additionally, oxymetholone steroid is also associated with difficulty in falling asleep, excitation, and diarrhea. If these conditions worsen, consider reaching out to your pharmacist or physician for assistance. You may also experience exacerbating acne, increased sexual drive, difficulty breathing, weight gain, swollen feet and ankles, and mood variation. You should talk to your doctor if you experience any or most of these side effects.
- Priapism In Men And Masculinization Effect In Women
Younger males below the puberty age may experience persistent erection and enlarged penis. For adult males, the following changes occur with the use of Anadrol:
- Infertility.
- breast swelling.
- Tenderness.
- Changes in the size of testicles.
- Difficulty in urinating.
- Epididymitis.
- bladder irritability.
- Azoospermia.
- Loss of hair.
Males who experience prolonged and painful erection for four hours or more should stop using the medication and seek medical assistance before permanent complications set in. Women and young girls on Anadrol will experience masculinization signs.
The changes may be permanent. If you have to use oxymetholone medication, discuss the benefits and the risks with your pharmacist or physician. The females are likely to experience irregularities in the menstrual cycle, enlargement of clitoris, exacerbating acne, hair growth in the facial region, and a hoarse voice. At the same time, masculinization results from the androgenic effects of oxymetholone. In pediatrics, oxymetholone has the impact of premature closure of the epiphyses.
- Osteolysis
Patients who have breast cancer and are taking oxymetholone medication are also likely to experience hypercalcemia. It is because of osteolysis stimulation.
- Electrolyte and Water Retention
Edema in heart failure is a severe complication in individuals with underlying chronic conditions such as hepatic disease, chronic kidney disease, and cardiac problems.
Other side effects
Elevated levels of low-density lipo-protein, reduced levels of high-density lipo-protein, nausea, and vomiting. These blood lipid changes are risk factors for coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis observed in individuals on oxymetholone therapy. There is also decreased glucose tolerance, increased creatinine levels, and bleeding in patients on anticoagulant medication. Prostatic carcinoma and prostate hypertrophy occur in older patients on oxymetholone.
Administration and Dosage
The Anadrol dose recommended for both adults and children is 1-5mg/kg of the body weight daily. 1-2mg/kg per day of Anadrol is the effective dose, but the dosing will change when necessary.
When using oxymetholone for muscle building, the dosages for this anabolic steroid are individualized. Response may not be so rapid, hence requiring the minimal trials to be at least 3-6 months. After remission, some patients can do without the medication. Other patients will be on specified daily lower doses of oxymetholone for maintenance.
Continuous maintenance dosages are essential in individuals suffering from aplastic anemia of congenital origin. For off-label use, the drug is appropriate in managing wasting syndrome associated with HIV at a dose of 50mg per oral twice each day for about 32 weeks. Oxymetholone 50mg tablets get marketed while packaged in bottles 100s. They are also be dispensed in light-resistant containers and stored within temperatures of 68 to 77 Fahrenheit.
Indications
Anadrol 50 mg is vital in the management of anemia in patients with reduced erythrocyte production. It is prescribed to individuals with conditions associated with decreased red blood cells include:
- Hypoplastic anemia caused by myelotoxic drugs.
- Myelofibrosis.
- Congenital anemia.
- Acquired plastic anemia.
Instruction for Use
Take Anadrol 50mg orally as recommended by the physician. If you experience stomach upset, consider taking the medication with milk or food. Maintain the time for taking the drug every day to realize the maximum therapeutic outcome. Your physician or pharmacist will alternate the dosage depending on your response to therapy and your medical condition.
Misuse of Oxymetholone 50 mg
Abuse of this anabolic steroid has harmful effects, which include:
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms after misuse of oxymetholone may include tiredness, irritability, and depression. These symptoms may persist for several months.
- Inappropriate development of bones among the adolescents.
- Inappropriate drug-seeking behaviors.
- Stroke and other heart diseases.
- Mental problems.
- Liver diseases.
In the case of oxymetholone overdose, consider taking a balanced meal rich in folate and iron. However, remember to consult your doctor for proper management. He will probably order some laboratory tests such as prostate examination, liver function tests, mineral concentration in urine, and blood to monitor your recovery from the overdose.
Precautions
In case you are oversensitive to the drug or have different allergies, you should inform your clinician or pharmacist. Preferably before beginning this medication. Excipients in the drug may elicit allergic reactions. Oxymetholone medication is inappropriate in numerous conditions because of the possibility of exacerbation. Such conditions include hepatic diseases, chronic kidney disease, prostate carcinoma, hypercalcemia in females, and breast cancer in females and males.
It is also proper to elaborate to your physician about your past and current medication history. Mostly, diabetes, edematous conditions, enlarged prostate, coronary artery conditions, and congestive heart disease. Tell them about any hepatic diseases too before beginning oxymetholone therapy.
Oxymetholone may worsen diabetic conditions by raising glucose levels. In case you have diabetes and have to be on oxymetholone, remember to regularly check your urine or blood glucose levels and report any unusual results to the pharmacist. In most cases, your doctor will have to adjust the dosages of the anti-diabetics.
A lot of caution is necessary when administering this drug to kids. It is because they may have high sensitivity to Anadrol. For kids under the age of 18 years, oxymetholone inhibits growth. Hence, the need for close monitoring and regular x-rays on the kids’ bones.
Anadrol is not appropriate in pregnant women because of the harmful effect on the unborn baby. In case of pregnancy or planning for pregnancy, seek guidance from your pharmacist or clinician. Adult females capable of bearing kids and are on oxymetholone therapy should use the most effective contraceptives to prevent unplanned pregnancy that may risk the fetus’s life.
Drug Interactions.
Because of the harmful effect of drug-drug interactions, it is paramount to inform your pharmacist or doctor of any herbal medication, non-prescription, or prescription drugs you are taking before initiating oxymetholone therapy. Take caution with warfarin as it is likely to interfere with oxymetholone medication.
