Oxandrolone Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 10, 2025.

Applies to oxandrolone: oral tablets.

Side effects include:

Elevated aminotransferases (ALT, AST), lipid abnormalities (e.g., decreased HDL cholesterol concentrations).

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

• Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting^[Ref]

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]

See also:

Further information

Oxandrolone 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.

Medical Disclaimer