Type of medicine: anabolic steroid
Generic and brand names: oxandrolone, oral; Oxandrin
This medicine is used with a diet high in protein and calories to help increase your weight after unwanted weight loss. It is also used to strengthen bones and improve muscle strength for people with certain conditions.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider. Use by athletes to build muscles is not recommended.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. This medicine has been reported to cause birth defects. Use an effective birth control method while you are taking this medicine. Stop taking this medicine at the first sign that you may be pregnant and contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
To get the best results from this medicine, follow your healthcare provider's instructions for a diet high in calories and protein.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as directed. Do not take more of it or take it longer than prescribed.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
This medicine can cause liver problems. You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop severe tiredness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, fever, headache, muscle or joint pain, yellowing of your eyes and skin. These are signs of possible liver damage.
This medicine can increase LDL (bad) cholesterol and decrease HDL (good) cholesterol. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
This medicine may affect bone growth rate in children. Children taking this medicine may need x-rays every few months. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Adults over the age of 65 may be at greater risk for side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
If you need emergency care, surgery, dental work, or lab tests tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
This medicine is a controlled substance. It is illegal for you to give it to anyone else.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Yellowish eyes or skin; dark urine; black or very light bowel movements; unexplained sore throat or fever; severe nausea or vomiting; changes in skin color; swelling of the ankles or legs; trouble urinating; unusual bruising or bleeding.
Other: Diarrhea, depression, bone pain, bloating, chills, muscle cramps, trouble sleeping, acne, change in sexual desire or ability, nervousness.
Men: Painful erections of the penis that will not return to normal, breast enlargement.
Women: Hoarseness or deepening of voice, facial hair, hair loss, changes in menstrual periods.
Important: Other side effects have been reported, especially in women and young men and after long-term use.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
