Oxandrolone tablets

What are oxandrolone tablets?

Oxandrolone (Oxandrin®) helps promote weight gain, helps improve muscle strength in certain conditions, and helps promote growth in certain patients. Oxandrolone does not enhance athletic ability. Generic oxandrolone tablets are not available.

What should my health care professional know before I take oxandrolone?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• breast cancer

• diabetes

• heart or blood vessel disease

• high blood calcium levels

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• previous heart attack

• prostate disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to oxandrolone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take oxandrolone tablets by mouth. They can be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

Try not to miss a dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with oxandrolone?

• blood thinners such as warfarin

• corticosteroids

• epoetin alfa

• finasteride

• goserelin

• leuprolide

• medicines for diabetes

• saw palmetto

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking oxandrolone?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking oxandrolone except on your prescriber's advice.

You should make sure you are eating enough calories if you are taking oxandrolone to help gain weight. Discuss your dietary needs with your health care professional or nutritionist.

Oxandrolone can affect your liver. Promptly report any nausea, vomiting, ankle swelling, or skin color changes to your prescriber or health care professional. It is important to have any blood tests done that your health care professional may order.

If you have diabetes, oxandrolone may affect your blood sugar levels. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your medicine for diabetes.

Oxandrolone is banned from use in athletes by the US and the International Olympic Committees and other athletic organizations.

What side effects may I notice from taking oxandrolone?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• black, tarry stools or light-colored stools

• dark yellow or brown urine

• depression

• nausea, vomiting

• skin rash and itching (hives)

• stomach pain

• unusual bleeding

• unusual swelling

• weight gain

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Additional side effects that can occur in men include:

• breast tenderness or enlargement

• frequent erections

• frequent or difficult passing of urine

• groin or scrotum pain

Additional side effects that can occur in women include:

• decrease in breast size

• enlarged clitoris

• facial hair growth

• hair loss

• irregular vaginal bleeding/spotting

• voice changes (deepening or hoarseness)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• acne

• difficulty sleeping

• hair loss

• headache

• sexual difficulties; changes in sexual desire can occur in either male or female patients, and excessive doses can cause impotence in men

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at between and 15 and 26[5]C (59 and 77[5]F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.