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Oxymetholone oral tablets

What is this medication?

OXYMETHOLONE is a steroid. This medicine is used to treat anemia.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Anadrol

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

  • breast cancer
  • diabetes
  • high cholesterol
  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • prostate cancer
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to oxymetholone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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What may interact with this medication?

  • corticotropin
  • medicines for diabetes, like glipizide or glyburide
  • steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
  • warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

This medication may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your care team before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medication.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects. Do not breast-feed while taking this medication.

This medication is banned from use in athletes by most athletic organizations.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

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

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • dark urine
  • general ill feeling or flu-like symptom
  • light-colored stools
  • loss of appetite
  • men: prolonged or painful erections
  • nausea, vomiting
  • right upper belly pain
  • swelling of the ankles, feet, hands
  • unusually weak or tired
  • women: acne, change in monthly cycle, deep voice, enlarged clitoris, more facial hair
  • yellowing of the eyes or skin

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

  • breast swelling, tenderness
  • chills
  • hair loss
  • muscle cramps
  • trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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