Uses

This medication is used to help people regain weight they have lost due to certain medical conditions (such as surgery, chronic infection, trauma, long term use of corticosteroid medication such as hydrocortisone/prednisone). It is also used to relieve bone pain due to bone loss (osteoporosis). Oxandrolone belongs to a class of drugs known as anabolic steroids. These drugs are similar to male hormones made by the body.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, headache, skin color changes, increased/decreased sexual interest, oily skin, hair loss, and acne may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: 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 unlikely but 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 seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.

This medication can decrease sperm production, an effect that may lower male fertility. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you are female, tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but 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 unlikely but 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, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Precautions

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.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: breast cancer in men, prostate cancer, certain mineral imbalance (high calcium blood level).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (such as heart failure, chest pain, heart attack), liver problems, kidney problems, other types of 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.

Caution is advised when using this drug in older adults because they may be at greater risk for prostate/liver problems and swelling of arms/legs.

Caution is advised when using this drug in children because bone growth may be affected, causing shorter adult height. Your childs doctor will monitor growth and bone development during treatment.

This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) with your doctor. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. It may affect milk production and it may harm a nursing infant. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.