At a glance
Effects
- Rapid muscle mass gain: Stimulates protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, producing fast increases in lean body mass — among the most pronounced of any oral AAS [2][4].
- Major strength increase: Used extensively in powerlifting and strength sports; gains in 1-rep-max lifts are reported within 2–3 weeks of use [3].
- Red blood cell stimulation: Enhances erythropoietin production, boosting RBC count and improving muscular endurance and recovery [1][3].
- Appetite stimulation / weight gain: Originally prescribed to counter wasting and promote weight gain in severely ill patients; produces rapid scale-weight increases, partly from water retention [1][4].
- Significant water retention: As a DHT derivative, it does not aromatise directly, yet produces pronounced intracellular and subcutaneous water retention through alternative pathways, contributing to a 'wet' bulk appearance [5][6].
Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS), 17α-alkylated oral
~8–9 hours (oral)
Oral (tablet)
Schedule III controlled substance
Up to ~8 weeks (urine)
About Oxymetholone
Every point here is drawn from public medical and harm-reduction sources. A bracketed number after a claim — like [1]— is a reference: tap it to open the exact source it's based on (numbered list at the bottom). It is not a rating or score. Educational information, not medical advice.
Product specifics
- Est. delivery
- 3–7 business days · EU tracked
Product details as stated by the vendor (claims, not independently verified). Delivery is our standard EU estimate.
What it is
Oxymetholone (brand name Anadrol-50) is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT), taken orally in tablet form [1][2]. It was FDA-approved in the 1960s primarily for the treatment of anemias caused by deficient red cell production, and has since been used off-label in performance contexts for rapid mass and strength gains [1][3].
How it works
Oxymetholone acts as an androgen receptor (AR) agonist, binding directly to AR in muscle and other target tissues to drive protein synthesis, nitrogen retention, and increases in lean mass [2][4]. It also enhances the production and urinary excretion of erythropoietin (EPO), stimulating red blood cell production and improving oxygen-carrying capacity [1][3]. Although it is structurally a DHT derivative and does not directly aromatise to oestrogen, it is nonetheless associated with notable estrogenic-type effects (water retention, potential gynaecomastia) via poorly understood non-aromatase pathways [5]. Its 17α-alkylation at the 17th carbon position allows oral bioavailability by resisting first-pass liver metabolism, but this same modification is the primary source of its hepatotoxicity [4][6].
Risks & side effects
Most important: Oxymetholone carries a US Boxed Warning for severe hepatotoxicity: its 17α-alkylated structure makes it one of the most liver-stressful oral steroids available, with documented risks of cholestatic jaundice, peliosis hepatis (blood-filled hepatic cysts), and malignant liver tumours; continued use after jaundice onset has been associated with hepatic coma and death [1][3]. Liver function must be monitored closely and use discontinued at the first sign of hepatic dysfunction [1][3].
Common
Serious
- Cholestatic hepatitis and jaundice — dose- and duration-dependent; carries US Boxed Warning [1][3]
- Severe suppression of natural testosterone production — can occur within 2–3 weeks [6]
- Adverse lipid profile changes: sharply reduced HDL, increased LDL, elevating cardiovascular risk [3][6]
- Virilisation in women: voice deepening, clitoral enlargement, menstrual disruption, hirsutism [2][4]
- Male-pattern hair loss in predisposed individuals [2][4]
- Altered clotting factors (II, V, VII, X); increased prothrombin time [3]
- Gynaecomastia (despite no direct aromatisation, via alternate estrogenic pathways) [5]
- Insomnia, mood instability, irritability [4]
Rare
- Peliosis hepatis — blood-filled hepatic cysts; may only manifest as hepatic failure or intra-abdominal haemorrhage [1][3]
- Hepatic adenoma or carcinoma — may regress on discontinuation but malignant cases reported [3]
- Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury (reported with AAS abuse) [7]
- Hepatic coma and death with continued use after jaundice onset [1]
- Priapism (prolonged erection) [4]
Safety & harm reduction
- Known or suspected hepatic impairment or liver disease [1]
- Prostate cancer or breast cancer (androgen-sensitive) [1][6]
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding — teratogenic and virilising risk to the fetus [1]
- Nephrotic syndrome or severe renal disease [1]
- Hypercalcaemia [1]
- Pre-existing cardiovascular disease with poor lipid control [3][6]
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin, ALP) — mandatory at baseline and regularly throughout use; discontinue on signs of cholestasis [1][3]
- Lipid panel (HDL, LDL, triglycerides) — marked adverse changes expected; assess cardiovascular risk [3][6]
- Blood pressure — oxymetholone commonly elevates BP via fluid retention and lipid changes [6]
- Haematocrit / haemoglobin — erythropoietic stimulation can raise haematocrit to dangerous levels [1][4]
- Hormonal panel (LH, FSH, total testosterone) — endogenous suppression is rapid and severe; guide PCT timing [6]
- Clotting/prothrombin time in users on anticoagulants [3]
- PSA in older male users (prostate stimulation risk) [2]
- Oral anticoagulants (warfarin, acenocoumarol) — oxymetholone potentiates anticoagulant effect; dose adjustment and INR monitoring required [1][3]
- Insulin and oral hypoglycaemics — anabolic steroids may alter glucose tolerance; monitor blood sugar [6]
- Hepatotoxic drugs (statins, azole antifungals, alcohol) — additive liver toxicity risk [1][6]
- Corticosteroids — concurrent use may worsen fluid retention and oedema [1]
- Liver support: avoid alcohol; consider TUDCA or UDCA supplementation throughout the cycle; monitor LFTs every 4 weeks [1][3]
- Cycle duration: due to marked hepatotoxicity, use is typically limited to 4–6 weeks in non-medical contexts [3][6]
- Estrogenic management: despite non-aromatisation, water retention and gynaecomastia can occur; some users include an AI or SERM [5]
- Post-cycle therapy (PCT): natural testosterone suppression is rapid and severe — a structured PCT with a SERM (e.g. clomiphene or tamoxifen) is considered essential after any oxymetholone cycle [6]
- Cardiovascular: monitor BP throughout; aggressive lipid management (diet, omega-3s); avoid other cardiovascular stressors [3][6]
Dosage context
Clinical therapeutic dosing (not a prescription): the FDA-approved range for anemia is 1–5 mg/kg/day in adults and children, with the clinical response often requiring a minimum trial of 3–6 months [1][4]. Non-medical, commonly-reported performance use (per community cross-reference, not endorsed or prescribed) centres on 25–50 mg/day, with some sources noting doses up to 100 mg/day in experienced users — however higher doses markedly increase hepatotoxic risk, and authoritative sources do not endorse any non-medical use [1][3]. Given the narrow therapeutic index and serious liver risk, conservative framing is essential; no dosing guidance here constitutes a prescription or medical recommendation.
Sources
- 1.FDA Prescribing Information — Anadrol-50 (Oxymetholone)
- 2.INCHEM / IPCS Poisons Information Monograph 915 — Oxymetholone
- 3.RxList — Anadrol-50 (Oxymetholone) Drug Information
- 4.PubMed — Review of oxymetholone: a 17α-alkylated AAS (Pavlatos et al., Clin Ther 2001)
- 5.Wikipedia — Oxymetholone
- 6.Biology Insights — Oxymetholone: Uses, Side Effects, and Health Risks
- 7.NCBI PMC — Oxymetholone-Induced Acute Renal Failure: A Case Report
- 8.Steroidal.com — Anadrol (Oxymetholone) Steroid Profile
- 9.Medicine.com — Oxymetholone: Dosage, Mechanism/Onset, Half-Life
This information is provided for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. It is not medical advice. These substances can carry serious health risks; effects and safe use vary by individual. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Legal status varies by country — it is your responsibility to know your local law. We do not encourage misuse.
Other options for Oxymetholone· 15 offers
Same compound from different labs/brands and pack sizes. Tap a row to switch brand — the price and buy button update instantly.
This compound comes in different forms (e.g. injectable vs oral vs topical). Cost per mg is only comparable within the same form.
| Brand | Form | Strength | Pack | Price | Per mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Driada | blister-pack | 50 mg/tab | 50 tab | 48,90 € | €0.020/mg |
Generic | blister-pack | 50 mg/tab | 100 tab | 57,90 € | ★€0.012/mg |
Generic | blister-pack | 50 mg/tab | 60 tab | 59,90 € | €0.020/mg |
EVO | blister-pack | 50 mg/tab | 1 tab | 64,90 € | €1.298/mg |
Hemi Pharma | blister-pack | 25 mg/tab | 69,90 € | — | |
Generic | — | — | 84,90 € | — | |
Driada | blister-pack | 50 mg/tab | 50 tab | 89,90 € | €0.036/mg |
Generic | blister-pack | 50 mg/tab | 120 tab | 94,90 € | €0.016/mg |
Abdi İbrahimSelected | blister-pack | 50 mg/tab | 20 tab | 104,99 € | €0.105/mg |
Intex Pharma | blister-pack | 25 mg/tab | 100 tab | 109,99 € | €0.044/mg |
Generic | oral-liquid | 50 mg/ml | 100 ml | 109,99 € | €0.022/mg |
Generic | — | — | 139,99 € | — | |
Generic | blister-pack | 50 mg/tab | 100 tab | 159,99 € | €0.032/mg |
Generic | blister-pack | 50 mg/tab | 100 tab | 189,99 € | €0.038/mg |
Generic | blister-pack | 50 mg/tab | 100 tab | 279,99 € | €0.056/mg |