What are the clinical uses of nandrolone (anabolic steroid)?

From the Guidelines

Nandrolone is clinically used as a prescription anabolic steroid primarily for treating conditions associated with muscle wasting and anemia, such as cancer cachexia, HIV/AIDS, severe burns, or after major surgery, as well as certain types of anemia, including aplastic anemia. The medication works by promoting protein synthesis and nitrogen retention in muscles, which helps increase muscle mass and strength, and it also stimulates the production of red blood cells in bone marrow 1.

Key Points:

• Typical prescription formulations include nandrolone decanoate (Deca-Durabolin) administered as an intramuscular injection, usually 50-200 mg every 1-4 weeks, with treatment duration determined by the specific condition being treated.
• Side effects can include virilization in women, liver problems, cardiovascular issues, and hormonal imbalances, so medical supervision is essential.
• Nandrolone has been investigated in cancer patients, with studies showing a trend toward a smaller loss of body weight in patients receiving nandrolone decanoate compared to no additional therapy 1.
• The use of nandrolone in clinical practice is supported by recent guidelines, which recommend its use in patients with severe muscle wasting and anemia, under the supervision of a healthcare professional 1. Some of the key benefits of nandrolone include:
• Increased muscle mass and strength
• Improved protein synthesis and nitrogen retention
• Stimulation of red blood cell production in bone marrow However, it's essential to consider the potential side effects and risks associated with nandrolone use, including:
• Virilization in women
• Liver problems
• Cardiovascular issues
• Hormonal imbalances Overall, nandrolone is a valuable treatment option for patients with conditions associated with muscle wasting and anemia, and its use should be considered under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

From the FDA Drug Label

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Nandrolone decanoate is indicated for the management of the anemia of renal insufficiency and has been shown to increase hemoglobin and red cell mass. Nandrolone is used clinically for the management of anemia associated with renal insufficiency, specifically to increase hemoglobin and red cell mass 2.

• Key uses:
  • Management of anemia of renal insufficiency
  • Increasing hemoglobin and red cell mass

From the Research

Clinical Uses of Nandrolone

• Nandrolone decanoate is used in the treatment of osteoporosis in women, especially those with low muscle mass, associated debilitating disease, and in patients with corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis 3.
• It is also used to treat men with idiopathic osteoporosis, with studies showing that nandrolone decanoate can transiently increase bone mass in this population 4.
• In elderly women with osteoporosis, nandrolone decanoate has been shown to increase bone mineral density, reduce the incidence of new vertebral fractures, and increase lean body mass and hemoglobin levels 5.
• Nandrolone decanoate is also used to treat AIDS wasting syndrome in adult male HIV patients, with studies demonstrating its superiority over testosterone in increasing weight, body mass index, and quality of life in this population 6.

Dosage and Administration

• The recommended dose of nandrolone decanoate for the treatment of osteoporosis in women is 50 mg every 3 to 4 weeks 3.
• In men with idiopathic osteoporosis, a dose of 50 mg nandrolone decanoate intramuscularly weekly has been used in clinical trials 4.
• In elderly women with osteoporosis, a dose of 50 mg nandrolone decanoate every 3 weeks has been shown to be effective in increasing bone mineral density and reducing the incidence of new vertebral fractures 5.
• In adult male HIV patients with AIDS wasting syndrome, a dose of 150 mg nandrolone decanoate intramuscularly biweekly has been used in clinical trials 6.

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

• Common side effects of nandrolone decanoate include virilization, gynecomastia, hormonal disorders, dyslipidemia, genital alterations, and infertility 7.
• Cardiovascular dysfunctions, such as vascular damage, coagulation disorders, and arteriosus hypertension, have also been reported 7.
• Skin disorders, such as pricking, acne, and skin spots, as well as psychiatric and mood disorders, such as aggressiveness, sleep disorders, and anxiety, have been reported in some patients 7.