What is Oxandrolone: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025 • Published Dec 30, 2020

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Oxandrolone overview

BRAND NAMES:

Oxandrin

Generic Names:

Oxandrolone

Uses:

Helps you regain weight lost because of severe health conditions (such as surgery, illness, or trauma). Helps your body recover from side effects caused by long-term corticosteroid use. Also treats bone pain caused by osteoporosis. This medicine is an anabolic steroid.

Therapeutic Classes:

Endocrine-Metabolic Agent

Forms:

Tablet

How it’s taken:

By mouth

What is Oxandrolone used for?

Oxandrolone is an anabolic steroid that is used to gain weight in patients who suffer from excessive weight loss. It also used to treat patients with weight loss due to alcoholic liver damage, severe trauma, after surgery and turner's syndrome. This medication is also used to treat bone pain caused by osteoporosis and other conditions as prescribed by your doctor. It is indicated for use by adults and children. This medication is available as a tablet.

What form(s) does Oxandrolone come in

Tablet

What are common Oxandrolone doses?

Tablet 2.5MG
Tablet 10MG

Common Oxandrolone prescriptions

Oxandrolone
10mg tablet
Oxandrolone
2.5mg tablet

How to take Oxandrolone

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
This medicine is not for long-term use. It is most often used for a total of 2 to 4 weeks. Your doctor may then repeat your treatment after a rest period.
This medicine is not for long-term use. It is most often used for a total of 2 to 4 weeks. Your doctor may then repeat your treatment after a rest period.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Oxandrolone

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Oxandrolone contraindications

You should not use this medicine if you have male or female breast cancer, prostate cancer, kidney problems, or high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia). Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant.

Oxandrolone warnings

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Children using this medicine may need to have their bone growth rate checked with x-rays every few months.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding, or if you have heart disease, high cholesterol, liver disease, kidney disease, prostate problems, or hemophilia (bleeding disorders). Tell your doctor if you have diabetes or have recently had a heart attack.
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Unusual bleeding or bruising.
This medicine will not enhance or improve athletic performance or ability.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Oxandrolone interactions

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
This medicine will not enhance or improve athletic performance or ability.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using other steroids, blood thinners (warfarin, Coumadin®), or oral diabetes medicine (such as glipizide, glyburide, metformin, Actos®, Avandia®, Glucotrol®, Glucophage®, Glucovance®).
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding, or if you have heart disease, high cholesterol, liver disease, kidney disease, prostate problems, or hemophilia (bleeding disorders). Tell your doctor if you have diabetes or have recently had a heart attack.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Children using this medicine may need to have their bone growth rate checked with x-rays every few months.

Oxandrolone side effects

Serious Side Effects

Unusual bleeding or bruising.
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
Rapid weight gain.
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
In men: Frequent or ongoing erection of your penis, acne.
In women: Acne, facial or chest hair growth, deeper voice.

Less Serious Side Effects

Changes in hair growth or skin color.
Breast swelling or tenderness.
Changes in your menstrual periods.