Oral Steroid / Oral

Oxymetholone (Anadrol)

Most potent oral by mass/strength gains per week. Paradoxically oestrogenic despite not aromatising. Severe hepatotoxicity. Medically used for aplastic anaemia. Maximum 4-week cycles.

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Educational reference only. This page does not diagnose, prescribe, or replace care from a licensed professional. Laws, availability, and clinical appropriateness vary by location.

Reference dose25–100 mg/day. MAXIMUM 4 weeks.

Half-life8 hours

Risk flagextreme

Regulatory noteResearch-only flag

Side effects and watch-outs

⚠️ SEVERE hepatotoxicity — liver failure has occurred at high doses
⚠️ Blood pressure spikes — monitor daily
Severe water retention
Oestrogen-like effects without aromatising (mechanism unclear)
Gynaecomastia
Headaches
Appetite loss at high doses (paradoxical)
⚠️ MAXIMUM 4 weeks — no exceptions
Mandatory: TUDCA 500 mg/day, LFTs every 2 weeks, daily BP monitoring
⚠️ Virilisation in women — CONTRAINDICATED