Oxandrolone: Patient Information & Safety Notes
Also known as Oxandrin, Anavar
Other names: oxandrin, anavar
Oxandrolone is an FDA-approved anabolic steroid used for weight gain after surgery, trauma, or chronic infection, and for bone pain associated with osteoporosis. It is a DEA Schedule III controlled substance.
In plain language
What Oxandrolone is used for
- FDA-approved: weight gain after surgery, infection, or trauma; bone pain (osteoporosis)
- Off-label: muscle preservation in HIV wasting, burns
Taking this medicine
How it is administered
- Oral tablet
- Sublingual troche (compounded)
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Risks and precautions
Risks and warnings
- Fluid retention, edema
- Acne
- Hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity, especially at high doses)
- Suppression of natural testosterone
- Virilization in females (voice, clitoral changes)
Who should not take it
- Prostate cancer
- Hypercalcemia (high blood calcium)
- Advanced kidney disease
- Pregnancy
Common questions
Patient questions
Is oxandrolone (Anavar) safe for recreational use?
No. Oxandrolone is a Schedule III controlled substance. Non-medical use is illegal. Misuse carries risks of liver damage, hormonal disruption, and cardiovascular effects. It requires a prescription from a DEA-licensed provider for approved indications.
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This information is educational — not medical advice.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
Sources & References
Learn more about where our data comes from and how we write and review medical content.