Oxandrin Side Effects
Generic name: oxandrolone
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 10, 2025.
Note: This document provides detailed information about Oxandrin Side Effects associated with oxandrolone. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Oxandrin.
Applies to oxandrolone: oral tablets.
Important warnings
This medicine can cause some serious health issues
Oxandrolone has been discontinued in the US.
Because this drug is no longer available in the US market, the material in this monograph is no longer updated by AHFS DI.
If this drug is used in countries other than the U.S., it is essential that the manufacturers’ labeling be consulted for more recently available information.
Side effects include:
Elevated aminotransferases (ALT, AST), lipid abnormalities (e.g., decreased HDL cholesterol concentrations).
See also:
For healthcare professionals
Applies to oxandrolone: oral tablet.
Dermatologic adverse events
- Frequency not reported: Hirsutism and male pattern baldness in females, acne (especially in females and prepubertal males), changes in skin color[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Genitourinary
Frequency not reported:
Prepubertal Males: Phallic enlargement and increased frequency or persistence of erections
Postpubertal Males: Inhibition of testicular function, testicular atrophy and oligospermia, impotence, chronic priapism, epididymitis, and bladder irritability
Females: Clitoral enlargement, menstrual irregularities[Ref]
Hematologic
- Frequency not reported: Bleeding in patients on concomitant anticoagulant therapy[Ref]
Hepatic
- Frequency not reported: Cholestatic jaundice with, rarely, hepatic necrosis and death; hepatocellular neoplasms and peliosis hepatis with long-term therapy; reversible changes in liver function tests also occur including increased bromsulfophthalein (BSP) retention, changes in alkaline phosphatase and increases in serum bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST, SGOT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT, SGPT).[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
- Frequency not reported: Premature closure of epiphyses in children, ankle swelling[Ref]
Metabolic
- Frequency not reported: Edema, retention of serum electrolytes (sodium chloride, potassium, phosphate, calcium); decreased glucose tolerance; increased creatinine excretion; increased serum levels of creatinine phosphokinase[Ref]
Oncologic
- Frequency not reported: Gynecomastia, hepatic neoplasms and hepatocellular carcinomas following prolonged therapy with large doses of anabolic steroids[Ref]
Other
- Frequency not reported: Virilization of female patients including deepening voice, hirsutism, acne, clitoromegaly (not reversible), and menstrual abnormalities.[Ref]
Psychiatric
- Frequency not reported: Habituation, excitation, insomnia, depression, libido changes[Ref]
References
1. (2001) "Product Information. Oxandrin (oxandrolone)." Bio-Tech
More about Oxandrin (oxandrolone)
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- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: androgens and anabolic steroids
Professional resources
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Further information
Oxandrin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.
