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AnadrolŪ-50
(oxymetholone)
50 mg Tablets
DESCRIPTION
ANADROL (oxymetholone) tablets for oral administration each contain 50 mg of the
steroid oxymetholone, a potent anabolic and androgenic drug.
The chemical name for oxymetholone is 17b-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethylene)-17-
methyl-5a-androstan-3-one.
Inactive Ingredients - lactose
magnesium stearate
povidone
starch
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone. Nitrogen balance is improved
with anabolic agents but only when there is sufficient intake of calories and protein.
Whether this positive nitrogen balance is of primary benefit in the utilization of proteinbuilding
dietary substances has not been established. Oxymetholone enhances the
production and urinary excretion of erythropoietin in patients with anemias due to bone
marrow failure and often stimulates erythropoiesis in anemias due to deficient red cell
production.
Certain clinical effects and adverse reactions demonstrate the androgenic properties
of this class of drugs. Complete dissociation of anabolic and androgenic effects has not
been achieved. The actions of anabolic steroids are therefore similar to those of male sex
hormones with the possibility of causing serious disturbances of growth and sexual
development if given to young children. They suppress the gonadotropic functions of the
pituitary and may exert a direct effect upon the testes.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
ANADROL-50 is indicated in the treatment of anemias caused by deficient red cell
production. Acquired aplastic anemia, congenital aplastic anemia, myelofibrosis and the
hypoplastic anemias due to the administration of myelotoxic drugs often respond.
ANADROL-50 should not replace other supportive measures such as transfusion,
correction of iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 or pyridoxine deficiency, antibacterial therapy
and the appropriate use of corticosteroids.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
1. Carcinoma of the prostate or breast in male patients.
2. Carcinoma of the breast in females with hypercalcemia; androgenic anabolic steroids
may stimulate osteolytic resorption of bones.
3. Oxymetholone can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. It is
contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. If the patient becomes
pregnant while taking the drug, she should be apprised of the potential hazard to the
fetus.
4. Nephrosis or the nephrotic phase of nephritis.
5. Hypersensitivity to the drug.
6. Severe hepatic dysfunction.
WARNINGS
The following conditions have been reported in patients receiving androgenic anabolic
steroids as a general class of drugs:
Peliosis hepatis, a condition in which liver and sometimes splenic tissue is replaced with
blood-filled cysts, has been reported in patients receiving androgenic anabolic steroid
therapy. These cysts are sometimes present with minimal hepatic dysfunction, but at
other times they have been associated with liver failure. They are often not recognized
until life-threatening liver failure or intra-abdominal hemorrhage develops. Withdrawal
of drug usually results in complete disappearance of lesions.
Liver cell tumors are also reported. Most often these tumors are benign and androgendependent,
but fatal malignant tumors have been reported. Withdrawal of drug often
results in regression or cessation of progression of the tumor. However, hepatic tumors
associated with androgens or anabolic steroids are much more vascular than other hepatic
tumors and may be silent until life-threatening intra-abdominal hemorrhage develops.
Blood lipid changes that are known to be associated with increased risk of
atherosclerosis are seen in patients treated with androgens and anabolic steroids. These
changes include decreased high density lipoprotein and sometimes increased low density
lipoprotein. The changes may be very marked and could have a serious impact on the risk
of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
Cholestatic hepatitis and jaundice occur with 17-alpha-alkylated androgens at
relatively low doses. Clinical jaundice may be painless, with or without pruritus. It may
also be associated with acute hepatic enlargement and right upper-quadrant pain, which
has been mistaken for acute (surgical) obstruction of the bile duct. Drug-induced jaundice
is usually reversible when the medication is discontinued. Continued therapy has been
associated with hepatic coma and death. Because of the hepatoxicity associated with
oxymetholone administration, periodic liver function tests are recommended.
In patients with breast cancer, anabolic steroid therapy may cause hypercalcemia by
stimulating osteolysis. In this case, the drug should be discontinued.
Edema with or without congestive heart failure may be a serious complication in
patients with pre-existing cardiac, renal or hepatic disease. Concomitant administration
with adrenal steroids or ACTH may add to the edema. This is generally controllable with
appropriate diuretic and/or digitalis therapy.
Geriatric male patients treated with androgenic anabolic steroids may be at an
increased risk for the development of prostate hypertrophy and prostatic carcinoma.
Anabolic steroids have not been shown to enhance athletic ability.
PRECAUTIONS
General:
Women should be observed for signs of virilization (deepening of the voice, hirsutism,
acne and clitoromegaly). To prevent irreversible change, drug therapy must be
discontinued when mild virilism is first detected. Such virilization is usual following
androgenic anabolic steroid use at high doses. Some virilizing changes in women are
irreversible even after prompt discontinuance of therapy and are not prevented by
concomitant use of estrogens. Menstrual irregularities, including amenorrhea, may also
occur.
The insulin or oral hypoglycemic dosage may need adjustment in diabetic patients
who receive anabolic steroids.
Anabolic steroids may cause suppression of clotting factors II, V, VII and X, and an
increase in prothrombin time.
Information for the patient:
The physician should instruct patients to report any of the following side effects of
androgens.
Adult or Adolescent Males: Too frequent or persistent erections of the penis, appearance
or aggravation of acne.
Women: Hoarseness, acne, changes in menstrual periods or more hair on the face.
All Patients: Any nausea, vomiting, changes in skin color or ankle swelling.
Laboratory Tests:
Women with disseminated breast carcinoma should have frequent determination of urine
and serum calcium levels during the course of androgenic anabolic steroid therapy (see
WARNINGS).
Because of the hepatoxicity associated with the use of 17-alpha-alkylated androgens,
liver function tests should be obtained periodically.
Periodic (every 6 months) x-ray examinations of bone age should be made during
treatment of prepubertal patients to determine the rate of bone maturation and the effects
of androgenic anabolic steroid therapy on the epiphyseal centers.
Anabolic steroids have been reported to lower the level of high-density lipoproteins
and raise the level of low-density lipoproteins. These changes usually revert to normal on
discontinuation of treatment. Increased low-density lipoproteins and decreased highdensity
lipoproteins are considered cardiovascular risk factors. Serum lipids and highdensity
lipoprotein cholesterol should be determined periodically.
Hemoglobin and hematocrit should be checked periodically for polycythemia in
patients who are receiving high doses of anabolics.
Because iron deficiency anemia has been observed in some patients treated with
oxymetholone, periodic determination of the serum iron and iron binding capacity is
recommended. If iron deficiency is detected, it should be appropriately treated with
supplementary iron.
Oxymetholone has been shown to decrease 17-ketosteroid excretion.
Drug Interaction:
Anabolic steroids may increase sensitivity to anticoagulants; therefore, dosage of an
anticoagulant may have to be decreased in order to maintain the prothrombin time at the
desired therapeutic level.
Drug/Laboratory Test Interferences:
Therapy with androgenic anabolic steroids may decrease levels of thyroxine-binding
globulin resulting in decreased total T4 serum levels and increased resin uptake of T3 and
T4. Free thyroid hormone levels remain unchanged and there is no clinical evidence of
thyroid dysfunction. Altered tests usually persist for 2 to 3 weeks after stopping anabolic
therapy.
Anabolic steroids may cause an increase in prothrombin time.
Anabolic steroids have been shown to alter fasting blood sugar and glucose tolerance
tests.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility:
Animal data: Testosterone has been tested by subcutaneous injection and implantation in
mice and rats. The implant induced cervical-uterine tumors in mice, which metastasized
in some cases. There is suggestive evidence that injection of testosterone into some
strains of female mice increases their susceptibility to hepatoma. Testosterone is also
known to increase the number of tumors and decrease the degree of differentiation of
chemically induced carcinomas of the liver in rats.
Human data: There are rare reports of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients receiving
long-term therapy with androgens in high doses. Withdrawal of the drugs did not lead to
regression of the tumors in all cases.
Geriatric patients treated with androgens may be at an increased risk of developing
prostatic hypertrophy and prostatic carcinoma although conclusive evidence to support
this concept is lacking.
This compound has not been tested for mutagenic potential. However, as noted
above, carcinogenic effects have been attributed to treatment with androgenic hormones.
The potential carcinogenic effects likely occur through a hormonal mechanism rather
than by a direct chemical interaction mechanism.
Impairment of fertility was not tested directly in animal species. However, as noted
below under ADVERSE REACTIONS, oligospermia in males and amenorrhea in
females are potential adverse effects of treatment with ANADROLŪ Tablets. Therefore,
impairment of fertility is a possible outcome of treatment with ANADROL.
Pregnancy:
Pregnancy category X. See CONTRAINDICATIONS.
Nursing Mothers:
It is not known whether anabolics are excreted in human milk. Because of the potential
for serious adverse reactions in nursed infants from anabolics, women who take
oxymetholone should not nurse.
Pediatric Use:
Anabolic/androgenic steroids should be used very cautiously in children and only by
specialists who are aware of their effects on bone maturation.
Anabolic agents may accelerate epiphyseal maturation more rapidly than linear
growth in children, and the effect may continue for 6 months after the drug has been
stopped. Therefore, therapy should be monitored by x-ray studies at 6-month intervals in
order to avoid the risk of compromising the adult height.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Hepatic:
Cholestatic jaundice with, rarely, hepatic necrosis and death. Hepatocellular neoplasms
and peliosis hepatis have been reported in association with long-term androgenic anabolic
steroid therapy (see WARNINGS).
Genitourinary System:
In Men:
Prepubertal: Phallic enlargement and increased frequency of erections.
Postpubertal: Inhibition of testicular function, testicular atrophy and oligospermia,
impotence, chronic priapism, epididymitis, bladder irritability and decrease in seminal
volume.
In Women:
Clitoral enlargement, menstrual irregularities.
In Both Sexes:
Increased or decreased libido.
CNS: Excitation, insomnia.
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Hematologic: Bleeding in patients on concomitant anticoagulant therapy, iron-deficiency
anemia.
Leukemia has been observed in patients with aplastic anemia treated with
oxymetholone. The role, if any, of oxymetholone is unclear because malignant
transformation has been seen in blood dyscrasias and leukemia has been reported in
patients with aplastic anemia who have not been treated with oxymetholone.
Breast: Gynecomastia.
Larynx: Deepening of the voice in women.
Hair: Hirsutism and male-pattern baldness in women, male-pattern of hair loss in
postpubertal males.
Skin: Acne (especially in women and prepubertal boys).
Skeletal: Premature closure of epiphyses in children (see PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric
Use), muscle cramps.
Body as a Whole: Chills.
Fluid and Electrolytes: Edema, retention of serum electrolytes (sodium, chloride,
potassium, phosphate, calcium).
Metabolic/Endocrine: Decreased glucose tolerance (see PRECAUTIONS), increased
serum levels of low-density lipoproteins and decreased levels of high-density lipoproteins
(see PRECAUTIONS, Laboratory Tests), increased creatine and creatinine excretion,
increased serum levels of creatinine phosphokinase (CPK). Reversible changes in liver
function tests also occur, including increased bromsulphalein (BSP) retention and
increases in serum bilirubin, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), and alkaline
phosphatase.
DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE
Controlled Substance:
ANADROL-50 is considered to be a controlled substance and is listed in Schedule III.
OVERDOSAGE
There have been no reports of acute overdosage with anabolics.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
The recommended daily dose in children and adults is 1-5 mg/kg body weight per day.
The usual effective dose is 1-2 mg/kg/day but higher doses may be required, and the dose should be individualized. Response is not often immediate, and a minimum trial of three to six months should be given. Following remission, some patients may be maintained without the drug; others may be maintained on an established lower daily dosage. A continued maintenance dose is usually necessary in patients with congenital aplastic anemia.
Store at 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F).
(oxymetholone)
50 mg Tablets
DESCRIPTION
ANADROL (oxymetholone) tablets for oral administration each contain 50 mg of the
steroid oxymetholone, a potent anabolic and androgenic drug.
The chemical name for oxymetholone is 17b-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethylene)-17-
methyl-5a-androstan-3-one.
Inactive Ingredients - lactose
magnesium stearate
povidone
starch
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone. Nitrogen balance is improved
with anabolic agents but only when there is sufficient intake of calories and protein.
Whether this positive nitrogen balance is of primary benefit in the utilization of proteinbuilding
dietary substances has not been established. Oxymetholone enhances the
production and urinary excretion of erythropoietin in patients with anemias due to bone
marrow failure and often stimulates erythropoiesis in anemias due to deficient red cell
production.
Certain clinical effects and adverse reactions demonstrate the androgenic properties
of this class of drugs. Complete dissociation of anabolic and androgenic effects has not
been achieved. The actions of anabolic steroids are therefore similar to those of male sex
hormones with the possibility of causing serious disturbances of growth and sexual
development if given to young children. They suppress the gonadotropic functions of the
pituitary and may exert a direct effect upon the testes.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
ANADROL-50 is indicated in the treatment of anemias caused by deficient red cell
production. Acquired aplastic anemia, congenital aplastic anemia, myelofibrosis and the
hypoplastic anemias due to the administration of myelotoxic drugs often respond.
ANADROL-50 should not replace other supportive measures such as transfusion,
correction of iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 or pyridoxine deficiency, antibacterial therapy
and the appropriate use of corticosteroids.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
1. Carcinoma of the prostate or breast in male patients.
2. Carcinoma of the breast in females with hypercalcemia; androgenic anabolic steroids
may stimulate osteolytic resorption of bones.
3. Oxymetholone can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. It is
contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. If the patient becomes
pregnant while taking the drug, she should be apprised of the potential hazard to the
fetus.
4. Nephrosis or the nephrotic phase of nephritis.
5. Hypersensitivity to the drug.
6. Severe hepatic dysfunction.
WARNINGS
The following conditions have been reported in patients receiving androgenic anabolic
steroids as a general class of drugs:
Peliosis hepatis, a condition in which liver and sometimes splenic tissue is replaced with
blood-filled cysts, has been reported in patients receiving androgenic anabolic steroid
therapy. These cysts are sometimes present with minimal hepatic dysfunction, but at
other times they have been associated with liver failure. They are often not recognized
until life-threatening liver failure or intra-abdominal hemorrhage develops. Withdrawal
of drug usually results in complete disappearance of lesions.
Liver cell tumors are also reported. Most often these tumors are benign and androgendependent,
but fatal malignant tumors have been reported. Withdrawal of drug often
results in regression or cessation of progression of the tumor. However, hepatic tumors
associated with androgens or anabolic steroids are much more vascular than other hepatic
tumors and may be silent until life-threatening intra-abdominal hemorrhage develops.
Blood lipid changes that are known to be associated with increased risk of
atherosclerosis are seen in patients treated with androgens and anabolic steroids. These
changes include decreased high density lipoprotein and sometimes increased low density
lipoprotein. The changes may be very marked and could have a serious impact on the risk
of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
Cholestatic hepatitis and jaundice occur with 17-alpha-alkylated androgens at
relatively low doses. Clinical jaundice may be painless, with or without pruritus. It may
also be associated with acute hepatic enlargement and right upper-quadrant pain, which
has been mistaken for acute (surgical) obstruction of the bile duct. Drug-induced jaundice
is usually reversible when the medication is discontinued. Continued therapy has been
associated with hepatic coma and death. Because of the hepatoxicity associated with
oxymetholone administration, periodic liver function tests are recommended.
In patients with breast cancer, anabolic steroid therapy may cause hypercalcemia by
stimulating osteolysis. In this case, the drug should be discontinued.
Edema with or without congestive heart failure may be a serious complication in
patients with pre-existing cardiac, renal or hepatic disease. Concomitant administration
with adrenal steroids or ACTH may add to the edema. This is generally controllable with
appropriate diuretic and/or digitalis therapy.
Geriatric male patients treated with androgenic anabolic steroids may be at an
increased risk for the development of prostate hypertrophy and prostatic carcinoma.
Anabolic steroids have not been shown to enhance athletic ability.
PRECAUTIONS
General:
Women should be observed for signs of virilization (deepening of the voice, hirsutism,
acne and clitoromegaly). To prevent irreversible change, drug therapy must be
discontinued when mild virilism is first detected. Such virilization is usual following
androgenic anabolic steroid use at high doses. Some virilizing changes in women are
irreversible even after prompt discontinuance of therapy and are not prevented by
concomitant use of estrogens. Menstrual irregularities, including amenorrhea, may also
occur.
The insulin or oral hypoglycemic dosage may need adjustment in diabetic patients
who receive anabolic steroids.
Anabolic steroids may cause suppression of clotting factors II, V, VII and X, and an
increase in prothrombin time.
Information for the patient:
The physician should instruct patients to report any of the following side effects of
androgens.
Adult or Adolescent Males: Too frequent or persistent erections of the penis, appearance
or aggravation of acne.
Women: Hoarseness, acne, changes in menstrual periods or more hair on the face.
All Patients: Any nausea, vomiting, changes in skin color or ankle swelling.
Laboratory Tests:
Women with disseminated breast carcinoma should have frequent determination of urine
and serum calcium levels during the course of androgenic anabolic steroid therapy (see
WARNINGS).
Because of the hepatoxicity associated with the use of 17-alpha-alkylated androgens,
liver function tests should be obtained periodically.
Periodic (every 6 months) x-ray examinations of bone age should be made during
treatment of prepubertal patients to determine the rate of bone maturation and the effects
of androgenic anabolic steroid therapy on the epiphyseal centers.
Anabolic steroids have been reported to lower the level of high-density lipoproteins
and raise the level of low-density lipoproteins. These changes usually revert to normal on
discontinuation of treatment. Increased low-density lipoproteins and decreased highdensity
lipoproteins are considered cardiovascular risk factors. Serum lipids and highdensity
lipoprotein cholesterol should be determined periodically.
Hemoglobin and hematocrit should be checked periodically for polycythemia in
patients who are receiving high doses of anabolics.
Because iron deficiency anemia has been observed in some patients treated with
oxymetholone, periodic determination of the serum iron and iron binding capacity is
recommended. If iron deficiency is detected, it should be appropriately treated with
supplementary iron.
Oxymetholone has been shown to decrease 17-ketosteroid excretion.
Drug Interaction:
Anabolic steroids may increase sensitivity to anticoagulants; therefore, dosage of an
anticoagulant may have to be decreased in order to maintain the prothrombin time at the
desired therapeutic level.
Drug/Laboratory Test Interferences:
Therapy with androgenic anabolic steroids may decrease levels of thyroxine-binding
globulin resulting in decreased total T4 serum levels and increased resin uptake of T3 and
T4. Free thyroid hormone levels remain unchanged and there is no clinical evidence of
thyroid dysfunction. Altered tests usually persist for 2 to 3 weeks after stopping anabolic
therapy.
Anabolic steroids may cause an increase in prothrombin time.
Anabolic steroids have been shown to alter fasting blood sugar and glucose tolerance
tests.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility:
Animal data: Testosterone has been tested by subcutaneous injection and implantation in
mice and rats. The implant induced cervical-uterine tumors in mice, which metastasized
in some cases. There is suggestive evidence that injection of testosterone into some
strains of female mice increases their susceptibility to hepatoma. Testosterone is also
known to increase the number of tumors and decrease the degree of differentiation of
chemically induced carcinomas of the liver in rats.
Human data: There are rare reports of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients receiving
long-term therapy with androgens in high doses. Withdrawal of the drugs did not lead to
regression of the tumors in all cases.
Geriatric patients treated with androgens may be at an increased risk of developing
prostatic hypertrophy and prostatic carcinoma although conclusive evidence to support
this concept is lacking.
This compound has not been tested for mutagenic potential. However, as noted
above, carcinogenic effects have been attributed to treatment with androgenic hormones.
The potential carcinogenic effects likely occur through a hormonal mechanism rather
than by a direct chemical interaction mechanism.
Impairment of fertility was not tested directly in animal species. However, as noted
below under ADVERSE REACTIONS, oligospermia in males and amenorrhea in
females are potential adverse effects of treatment with ANADROLŪ Tablets. Therefore,
impairment of fertility is a possible outcome of treatment with ANADROL.
Pregnancy:
Pregnancy category X. See CONTRAINDICATIONS.
Nursing Mothers:
It is not known whether anabolics are excreted in human milk. Because of the potential
for serious adverse reactions in nursed infants from anabolics, women who take
oxymetholone should not nurse.
Pediatric Use:
Anabolic/androgenic steroids should be used very cautiously in children and only by
specialists who are aware of their effects on bone maturation.
Anabolic agents may accelerate epiphyseal maturation more rapidly than linear
growth in children, and the effect may continue for 6 months after the drug has been
stopped. Therefore, therapy should be monitored by x-ray studies at 6-month intervals in
order to avoid the risk of compromising the adult height.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Hepatic:
Cholestatic jaundice with, rarely, hepatic necrosis and death. Hepatocellular neoplasms
and peliosis hepatis have been reported in association with long-term androgenic anabolic
steroid therapy (see WARNINGS).
Genitourinary System:
In Men:
Prepubertal: Phallic enlargement and increased frequency of erections.
Postpubertal: Inhibition of testicular function, testicular atrophy and oligospermia,
impotence, chronic priapism, epididymitis, bladder irritability and decrease in seminal
volume.
In Women:
Clitoral enlargement, menstrual irregularities.
In Both Sexes:
Increased or decreased libido.
CNS: Excitation, insomnia.
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Hematologic: Bleeding in patients on concomitant anticoagulant therapy, iron-deficiency
anemia.
Leukemia has been observed in patients with aplastic anemia treated with
oxymetholone. The role, if any, of oxymetholone is unclear because malignant
transformation has been seen in blood dyscrasias and leukemia has been reported in
patients with aplastic anemia who have not been treated with oxymetholone.
Breast: Gynecomastia.
Larynx: Deepening of the voice in women.
Hair: Hirsutism and male-pattern baldness in women, male-pattern of hair loss in
postpubertal males.
Skin: Acne (especially in women and prepubertal boys).
Skeletal: Premature closure of epiphyses in children (see PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric
Use), muscle cramps.
Body as a Whole: Chills.
Fluid and Electrolytes: Edema, retention of serum electrolytes (sodium, chloride,
potassium, phosphate, calcium).
Metabolic/Endocrine: Decreased glucose tolerance (see PRECAUTIONS), increased
serum levels of low-density lipoproteins and decreased levels of high-density lipoproteins
(see PRECAUTIONS, Laboratory Tests), increased creatine and creatinine excretion,
increased serum levels of creatinine phosphokinase (CPK). Reversible changes in liver
function tests also occur, including increased bromsulphalein (BSP) retention and
increases in serum bilirubin, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), and alkaline
phosphatase.
DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE
Controlled Substance:
ANADROL-50 is considered to be a controlled substance and is listed in Schedule III.
OVERDOSAGE
There have been no reports of acute overdosage with anabolics.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
The recommended daily dose in children and adults is 1-5 mg/kg body weight per day.
The usual effective dose is 1-2 mg/kg/day but higher doses may be required, and the dose should be individualized. Response is not often immediate, and a minimum trial of three to six months should be given. Following remission, some patients may be maintained without the drug; others may be maintained on an established lower daily dosage. A continued maintenance dose is usually necessary in patients with congenital aplastic anemia.
Store at 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F).
