Skip to main content

Oxymetholone

Generic name: oxymetholone [ OKS-ee-METH-oh-lone ]
Brand name: Anadrol-50
Dosage form: oral tablet (50 mg)
Drug class: Androgens and anabolic steroids

What is oxymetholone?

Oxymetholone is an anabolic steroid, which is a man-made form of a hormone similar to testosterone.

Oxymetholone is used to treat certain types of anemia (lack of red blood cells), including anemia caused by chemotherapy.

Oxymetholone will not enhance athletic performance and should not be used for that purpose.

Oxymetholone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use oxymetholone if you have severe liver or kidney disease, prostate cancer, male breast cancer, or female breast cancer with high levels of calcium in the blood.

Do not use oxymetholone if you are pregnant.

Long-term use of oxymetholone can cause liver tumors or blood-filled cysts in your liver or spleen. Call your doctor at once if you have upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or rapid weight gain (especially in your face and midsection).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use oxymetholone if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

To make sure oxymetholone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

FDA pregnancy category X. This medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use oxymetholone if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use effective birth control while you are using this medicine.

This medicine may affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman.

It is not known whether oxymetholone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Do not give this medicine to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice. A child using oxymetholone may need x-rays every 6 months to make sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects on bone growth.

Do not share this medicine with another person.

How should I take oxymetholone?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take oxymetholone in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition, you may need frequent blood tests. You may not notice any change in your symptoms, but your blood work will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with oxymetholone.

Tell your doctor if you have any changes in weight. Oxymetholone doses are based on weight, and any changes may affect the dose.

It may take 3 to 6 months before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using oxymetholone.

Oxymetholone is only part of a treatment program that may also include blood transfusions and/or using other medicines. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Once your condition is under control, you may be able to stop taking oxymetholone. Some people must continue taking a small amount of oxymetholone to keep their red blood cells from getting too low. You may need to take oxymetholone for the rest of your life. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Do not share this medicine with another person. Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Oxymetholone is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking oxymetholone?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Oxymetholone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Long-term use of oxymetholone can cause liver tumors or blood-filled cysts in your liver or spleen. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

Women receiving oxymetholone may develop male features, which could be irreversible if treatment is continued. If you are a woman taking oxymetholone, tell your doctor right away if you have:

Common side effects in both men and women may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Oxymetholone dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Anemia:

Individualize therapy:
1 to 5 mg/kg orally per day
-Usual effective dose: 1 to 2 mg/kg/day; however, higher doses may be required

Comments:
-Response is not immediate and a minimum trial of three to six months should be given.
-Following remission, some patients may be maintained without the drug while others may need a maintenance dose; a continued maintenance dose is generally necessary in patients with congenital aplastic anemia.
-Treatment with this drug should not replace other supportive measures such as transfusion, correction of iron, folic acid, vitamin B or pyridoxine deficiency, antibacterial therapy, and the appropriate use of corticosteroids.

Use: Treatment of anemias caused by deficient red cell production.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Anemia:

Individualize therapy:
Children: 1 to 5 mg/kg orally per day
-Usual effective dose: 1 to 2 mg/kg/day; however, higher doses may be required

Comments:
-Response is not immediate and a minimum trial of three to six months should be given.
-Following remission, some patients may be maintained without the drug while others may need a maintenance dose; a continued maintenance dose is generally necessary in patients with congenital aplastic anemia.
-Treatment with this drug should not replace other supportive measures such as transfusion, correction of iron, folic acid, vitamin B or pyridoxine deficiency, antibacterial therapy, and the appropriate use of corticosteroids.

Use: Treatment of anemias caused by deficient red cell production.

What other drugs will affect oxymetholone?

Other drugs may interact with oxymetholone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

More about oxymetholone

Patient resources

Other brands

Anadrol-50

Professional resources

Other brands

Anadrol-50

Related treatment guides

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.