oxandrolone (redirected from Anavar)

oxandrolone /ox·an·dro·lone/ (ok-san´dro-lon) an androgenic and anabolic steroid that is used in the treatment of catabolic or tissue-wasting diseases or states.

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oxandrolone (oksan´drlōn´),

n brand name: Oxandrin;
drug class: androgenic anabolic steroid (Controlled Substance Schedule III);
action: reverses catabolic tissue processes; promotes buildup of protein; increases erythropoietin production;
uses: treating catabolic or tissue-wasting processes, such as extensive surgery, burns, infection, or trauma; HIV wasting syndrome; Turner's syndrome.

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oxandrolone

Oxandrin

Pharmacologic class: Hormone

Therapeutic class: Anabolic steroid

Controlled substance schedule III

Pregnancy risk category X

FDA Boxed Warning

• Drug may cause peliosis hepatis (condition marked by replacement of liver and sometimes splenic tissue with blood-filled cysts). Commonly, this condition isn't recognized until life-threatening liver failure or intra-abdominal hemorrhage develops. With drug withdrawal, lesions usually disappear completely.
• Liver cell tumors may occur. Usually, these are benign and androgen-dependent, but fatal malignant tumors have been reported. Drug withdrawal causes tumor to regress or stop progressing. However, hepatic tumors linked to androgens or anabolic steroids may be silent until life-threatening intra-abdominal hemorrhage develops.
• Drug may result in blood lipid changes with known link to increased risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.

Action

Promotes body-tissue building process, reverses catabolic or tissue-depleting processes, and increases hemoglobin and red cell mass. Also has androgenic and anabolic properties.

Availability

Tablets: 2.5 mg, 10 mg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ To promote weight gain; to relieve bone pain accompanying osteoporosis

Adults: 2.5 mg P.O. two to four times daily, to a maximum of 20 mg/day, usually for 2 to 4 weeks. Repeat intermittently p.r.n.

Children: Total daily dosage of 0.1 mg/kg P.O. or less

Off-label uses

• Alcoholic hepatitis

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to anabolic steroids
• Nephrotic phase of nephritis
• Women with breast cancer and hypercalcemia
• Men with prostate or breast cancer
• Pregnancy

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• renal, hepatic, or cardiac impairment; benign prostatic hypertrophy; pituitary insufficiency; myocardial infarction
• breastfeeding patients.

Administration

• Verify that patient isn't pregnant before giving.
• Give with food or meals if GI upset occurs.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	Slow	Unknown	Unknown

Adverse reactions

CNS: insomnia, excitation, toxic confusion

GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal fullness, burning sensation of tongue, anorexia, intra-abdominal hemorrhage

GU: increased risk of prostatic hypertrophy, virilization, phallic enlargement in prepubertal boys, inhibited testicular function in postpubertal males, gynecomastia, priapism, epididymitis, libido changes, clitoral enlargement, menstrual irregularities

Hematologic: iron deficiencies

Hepatic: hepatotoxicity, peliosis hepatitis, hepatic cell tumor

Metabolic: fluid retention, hypercalcemia

Musculoskeletal: ankle swelling, premature epiphyseal closure in children

Skin: acne, increased skin pigmentation, hirsutism and male-pattern baldness in women

Other: chills, hoarseness, deepening of voice in women

Interactions

Drug-drug. Anticoagulants: potentiation of anticoagulant action

Insulin, oral hypoglycemics: decreased requirements for these drugs

Drug-diagnostic tests. Creatinine, creatinine clearance: increased values

Cholesterol, lipids: altered levels

Glucose tolerance tests: altered results

Thyroid function: decreased values

Patient monitoring

• Assess patient for edema and need for diuretic therapy.
• Monitor periodic liver function tests and electrolyte levels.
• Assess periodic cholesterol levels in patients at increased risk for coronary artery disease.
• Monitor diabetic patients carefully (drug may alter glucose tolerance).

Patient teaching

• Tell patient to take with food or meals.
• Inform patient that drug shouldn't be taken to increase muscle strength; it doesn't enhance athletic ability and can cause serious side effects.
• Advise diabetic patient to monitor urine or blood glucose carefully and report abnormal levels.
• Instruct patient to report ankle swelling, skin color changes, severe nausea or vomiting, unusual body hair growth, acne, and menstrual changes.
• Advise female patient not to take drug if she is or plans to become pregnant.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs and tests mentioned above.