Anadrol drug profile
Anadrol: Oxymetholone Uses, Status and Health Risks
Anadrol is a brand name for oxymetholone, an oral anabolic androgenic steroid. FDA records identify an approved application associated with selected anemias caused by deficient red blood cell production, while the branded product is listed in the nonmarketed section of Orange Book records. Oxymetholone is a Schedule III controlled substance and is prohibited in sport. 1 2 3 4
Anabolic.co does not sell Anadrol, recommend suppliers, design steroid cycles, provide personal doses, suggest drug combinations or provide drug test evasion advice.
Anadrol Identity, Medical Status and Risk Profile
The profile separates the brand, active drug, approved application, current branded marketing status, legal status and primary health risks.
- Brand name
- Anadrol.
- Active drug
- Oxymetholone.
- Drug class
- Oral anabolic androgenic steroid.
- Formulation
- Oral tablet.
- FDA application
- NDA 016848.
- Approved label context
- Selected anemias caused by deficient red blood cell production.
- Current branded marketing context
- The branded product is recorded in the nonmarketed or discontinued section of FDA Orange Book records.
- Federal legal status
- Oxymetholone is listed in Schedule III.
- Sports status
- Named in category S1 and prohibited at all times under the 2026 World Anti Doping Agency list.
- Primary risk focus
- Liver injury, lipid changes, fluid retention, hormone effects and product uncertainty.
What Is Anadrol?
Anadrol is a brand name for oxymetholone. Oxymetholone is a synthetic oral anabolic androgenic steroid. The FDA label describes each Anadrol tablet as containing oxymetholone and identifies the drug as anabolic and androgenic. 1
Anadrol identifies the branded medicine history. Oxymetholone identifies the active drug. Products sold under familiar names outside regulated pharmaceutical systems may not contain the stated drug or strength.
Oxymetholone belongs to the anabolic steroid class but is not interchangeable with stanozolol, methandrostenolone, oxandrolone or testosterone. Their structures, approved uses and adverse effect patterns differ.
Is Anadrol the Same as Oxymetholone?
Anadrol is the brand name. Oxymetholone is the active drug.
Anadrol
A branded medicine name associated with oxymetholone tablets and FDA application NDA 016848.
Oxymetholone
The drug substance responsible for the anabolic, androgenic and red blood cell effects.
Underground tablets
An Anadrol label on an unregulated tablet does not confirm identity, concentration, purity or manufacturing quality.
Is Anadrol FDA Approved and Still Marketed?
FDA records identify NDA 016848 for Anadrol 50 oxymetholone tablets. Orange Book records place the branded product in the nonmarketed or discontinued section.
| Record statement | Correct interpretation |
|---|---|
| Approved application | FDA made an approval decision for the application and labelled product. |
| Approved anemia context | The label identifies selected anemias caused by deficient red blood cell production. |
| Nonmarketed or discontinued listing | The branded product is not listed as actively marketed in the current Orange Book category. |
| No safety withdrawal statement presented | Nonmarketing status should not be rewritten as an FDA safety ban without a separate official finding. |
| Underground product uses the name | The brand name does not make the product the approved medicine. |
Approved application
FDA made an approval decision for the application and labelled product.
Approved anemia context
The label identifies selected anemias caused by deficient red blood cell production.
Nonmarketed listing
The branded product is not listed as actively marketed in the current Orange Book category.
No automatic safety ban conclusion
Nonmarketing status should not be rewritten as an FDA safety ban without an official finding.
What Was Anadrol Prescribed For?
The reviewed FDA label lists treatment of anemias caused by deficient red blood cell production. It names acquired aplastic anemia, congenital aplastic anemia, myelofibrosis and selected hypoplastic anemias associated with myelotoxic drugs. 1
The label also states that the medicine should not replace supportive measures such as transfusion or correction of iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 or pyridoxine deficiency. Treatment belongs within specialist hematology care.
GeneReviews notes that androgens such as oxymetholone can temporarily improve blood counts in some people with Fanconi anemia, while liver toxicity and virilisation remain major concerns. 6
How Does Oxymetholone Affect Red Blood Cell Production?
The FDA label describes increased erythropoietin production and stimulation of erythropoiesis in selected anemia contexts. Response varies and requires clinical monitoring. 1
This pathway is a medical explanation, not a reason to self treat fatigue or a laboratory result. Anemia has many causes, and treatment depends on the diagnosis.
Oxymetholone can also contribute to excessive red blood cell production in some settings. A blood count must be interpreted by a qualified clinician.
Why Is Oxymetholone an Oral Steroid?
Oxymetholone is chemically modified to remain active after oral administration. It is a 17 alpha alkylated androgen, a feature associated with clinically important liver exposure.
Oral administration does not make oxymetholone mild. The same structural feature that supports oral activity is linked with cholestatic hepatitis, jaundice and other liver complications.
Why Can Anadrol Damage the Liver?
The FDA label warns that cholestatic hepatitis and jaundice can occur with 17 alpha alkylated androgens. LiverTox also identifies cholestatic injury as a major anabolic steroid pattern. 1 5
Clinical jaundice may be painless and may occur with or without itching. Right upper abdominal pain or liver enlargement can occur. Severe hepatic dysfunction is listed as a contraindication in the reviewed label.
Peliosis Hepatis and Liver Tumours
Peliosis hepatis involves blood filled spaces within liver tissue and sometimes the spleen. The FDA label warns that it may produce little early evidence of liver dysfunction, yet can be associated with liver failure or internal bleeding. 1
The label also reports benign and malignant liver tumours with androgenic anabolic steroid exposure. These tumours can be highly vascular and may remain silent until serious abdominal bleeding develops.
The United States Report on Carcinogens describes oxymetholone related liver tumour evidence from human reports and experimental animal research. 7
Anadrol Side Effects and Health Risks
Some statements below come directly from the oxymetholone label. Others reflect broader anabolic steroid class evidence. The source frame is shown on each card.
Liver and bile flow
Possible outcomes include cholestatic hepatitis, jaundice, severe liver dysfunction, peliosis hepatis and liver tumours.
Cholesterol and cardiovascular system
The label warns of reduced high density lipoprotein and sometimes increased low density lipoprotein, with implications for atherosclerosis and coronary disease.
Fluid retention and edema
Sodium and fluid retention can cause swelling and may be serious in people with heart, kidney or liver disease.
Hormone suppression and fertility
Oxymetholone can suppress gonadotropin and testicular function and may reduce sperm production.
Breast tissue and sexual effects
Possible effects include gynecomastia, altered sexual function, testicular changes and priapism.
Skin and hair
Acne, hair growth changes and scalp hair loss can occur.
Mood and sleep
Anabolic steroid exposure can be associated with excitation, insomnia, mood changes, dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Glucose and metabolic effects
Oxymetholone can affect glucose tolerance and may alter the response to diabetes medicines.
Dependence and withdrawal
Anabolic steroids can produce dependence, cravings, fatigue, low mood, sleep changes and sexual symptoms after stopping.
Anadrol, Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Risk
The reviewed FDA label warns that androgens and anabolic steroids can reduce high density lipoprotein and sometimes increase low density lipoprotein. It states that the changes can be marked and may affect atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease risk. 1
Fluid retention, blood pressure, underlying heart disease, kidney function, other drugs and smoking can add to the cardiovascular context. Athletic appearance and training performance do not show if cardiovascular risk is low.
Does Anadrol Cause Water Retention and Rapid Weight Gain?
Oxymetholone can cause sodium and fluid retention. A rapid rise on the scale may reflect fluid, tissue swelling, food intake or several factors. It does not prove that the same amount of new muscle has been produced.
Edema can appear around the ankles, face or other areas. It may be a serious complication in people with existing heart, kidney or liver disease. 1
This page does not provide water management, diuretic or supplement instructions.
Oxymetholone and Warfarin or Blood Thinners
The oxymetholone label warns that anabolic steroids may increase sensitivity to oral anticoagulants. People taking warfarin may require close monitoring of prothrombin time or the international normalised ratio by their clinical team. 1
Starting, changing or stopping oxymetholone can change bleeding risk. This page does not provide warfarin adjustment, laboratory target or medication change instructions.
Does Anadrol Suppress Testosterone and Fertility?
Oxymetholone can suppress gonadotropin and testicular function. The reviewed label lists reduced sperm production, testicular atrophy and altered sexual function among possible effects. 1
Fertility can be impaired. Recovery varies and cannot be predicted from a cycle length, tablet strength or online protocol. Adding another anabolic steroid does not restore natural hormone signaling during use.
Menstrual disruption and fertility effects can also occur in women. People concerned about fertility, sexual function or withdrawal need clinical assessment.
Is Anadrol Safe for Women?
Oxymetholone can cause androgenic changes, and some may be irreversible. The reviewed label warns about voice deepening, hair growth, acne, clitoral enlargement and menstrual changes. 1
The label identifies pregnancy as a contraindication because oxymetholone can harm a fetus and cause masculinising effects. A lower amount does not establish a safe nonmedical pattern.
Anadrol in Children and Adolescents
Anabolic agents can accelerate bone maturation without a matching increase in linear growth. This can compromise adult height. Specialist treatment requires monitoring of growth and bone maturation.
Medical use in a child with a serious bone marrow disorder is not comparable with nonmedical use for sport or appearance. Adolescent misuse can also disrupt hormones, worsen acne, affect mood and expose a developing person to liver and cardiovascular harm.
Does Anadrol Build Muscle or Increase Strength?
Oxymetholone is not approved as a bodybuilding or sports performance medicine. The reviewed FDA label states that anabolic steroids have not been shown to enhance athletic ability. 1
Nonmedical claims are affected by training, diet, fluid retention, other steroids, genetics and uncertain product contents. A rapid scale increase does not identify the amount of muscle tissue.
Oxymetholone Law, Sport and Drug Testing
Is oxymetholone legal in the United States?
Oxymetholone is expressly listed as a Schedule III anabolic steroid under federal regulations. 3
Is Anadrol banned in sport?
The 2026 World Anti Doping Agency list names oxymetholone in category S1. It is prohibited during and outside competition. 4
Does Anadrol show up on drug tests?
Sports laboratories can analyse oxymetholone and related metabolites. Detection depends on the sample, method, product, exposure and laboratory interpretation.
Standard workplace panels may differ from sports testing. There is no universal detection period for every claimed oxymetholone product and testing context. Anabolic.co does not provide evasion instructions.
Legal information is general and is not legal advice.
Counterfeit Anadrol and Product Identity
Unregulated tablets can contain the wrong active drug, an incorrect concentration, contamination or no oxymetholone. A familiar brand name, tablet colour, stamped number or seller claim does not prove identity.
The branded product’s nonmarketed status makes it especially important not to assume that a current seller’s Anadrol tablet is the FDA approved product.
Seek medical assessment when
- The active drug or concentration is uncertain
- Symptoms began after taking the product
- There are signs of liver injury or serious swelling
- There is unexpected bleeding while using a blood thinner
- There is chest pain, breathing difficulty or fainting
Anabolic.co does not authenticate underground products or recommend suppliers.
Anadrol Myths and Common Confusions
Anadrol and oxymetholone are not separate active drugs
Anadrol is a brand name. Oxymetholone is the active drug.
An approved application does not mean active branded marketing
The current branded marketing category is a separate record from application approval.
Nonmarketed status is not automatically a safety ban
An official safety withdrawal requires separate evidence.
Oral use does not make oxymetholone mild
The oral structure is associated with serious liver risk.
Scale weight does not identify new muscle
Fluid retention can contribute to rapid weight change.
A brief exposure does not remove liver risk
Severe adverse effects cannot be ruled out by cycle length.
Liver supplements do not neutralise toxicity
No supplement makes oxymetholone free from liver risk.
Oxymetholone can suppress natural hormone production
Medical history does not remove endocrine effects.
Prescription history does not authenticate an underground tablet
Packaging and branding cannot confirm active drug or concentration.
When to Seek Medical Help
Call 911 for a medical emergency in the United States. Call or text 988 for suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis.
Anadrol Terminology
Anadrol
A brand name for oxymetholone.
Oxymetholone
The active oral anabolic steroid associated with the Anadrol brand.
Erythropoiesis
The process by which the body produces red blood cells.
Cholestasis
Reduced or impaired bile flow that can cause itching, dark urine and jaundice.
Peliosis hepatis
A condition involving blood filled spaces within liver tissue and sometimes the spleen.
Nonmarketed product
An approved product that is not currently listed as being marketed.
How Anabolic.co Reviews Anadrol Information
Team Anabolicco separates current official status, approved label information, specialist clinical evidence, anabolic steroid class evidence and unapproved bodybuilding claims.
- FDA label reviewed
- 17th July 2026
- Orange Book status checked
- 17th July 2026
- Federal scheduling checked
- 17th July 2026
- 2026 sports status checked
- 17th July 2026
- Liver evidence reviewed
- 17th July 2026
- Page reviewer
- Team Anabolicco
- Separate the Anadrol brand from the oxymetholone drug entity
- Check application and current marketing categories separately
- Label the age and scope of prescribing information
- Review liver, lipid, edema, fertility and interaction warnings
- Check federal controlled substance status against current eCFR
- Check the annual prohibited list for sport
- Place references close to material claims
- Record review dates and correct material errors when found
Seller pages, bodybuilding forums, testimonials and anonymous reports are not treated as proof that an Anadrol product is safe, effective, authentic or suitable for a person.
Anabolic.co does not sell controlled substances, recommend underground suppliers, design cycles or receive payment to change medical, regulatory or legal conclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Anadrol?
Anadrol is a brand name for oxymetholone, an oral anabolic androgenic steroid.
Is Anadrol the same as oxymetholone?
Anadrol is the brand name and oxymetholone is the active drug.
Is Anadrol an anabolic steroid?
Yes. Oxymetholone is an oral anabolic androgenic steroid.
Is Anadrol FDA approved?
FDA records identify an approved application for Anadrol 50 oxymetholone tablets under NDA 016848.
Is branded Anadrol still marketed?
The branded product is recorded in the nonmarketed or discontinued section of FDA Orange Book records.
What was Anadrol prescribed for?
The approved label describes selected anemias caused by deficient red blood cell production, including some bone marrow failure conditions. 1
How does oxymetholone affect red blood cells?
The label describes increased erythropoietin production and stimulation of erythropoiesis in selected anemia contexts.
Can Anadrol damage the liver?
Yes. Oxymetholone can cause cholestatic hepatitis, jaundice, peliosis hepatis and liver tumours.
What is peliosis hepatis?
Peliosis hepatis involves blood filled spaces within liver tissue and can be associated with liver failure or internal bleeding.
Does Anadrol affect cholesterol?
The label warns of reduced high density lipoprotein and sometimes increased low density lipoprotein.
Does Anadrol cause water retention?
Oxymetholone can cause sodium and fluid retention, edema and rapid scale weight change.
Does Anadrol suppress natural testosterone?
Oxymetholone can suppress gonadotropin and testicular function and may reduce sperm production.
Can Anadrol affect fertility?
Yes. Hormone suppression can reduce sperm production and disturb reproductive function. Recovery varies.
Is Anadrol safe for women?
Oxymetholone can cause androgenic changes, and some may be irreversible. Pregnancy is listed as a contraindication.
Can oxymetholone interact with warfarin?
Yes. The label warns that anabolic steroids may increase sensitivity to oral anticoagulants and raise bleeding risk.
Is oxymetholone legal in the United States?
Oxymetholone is expressly listed as a Schedule III anabolic steroid under federal regulations. 3
Is Anadrol banned in sport?
Yes. Oxymetholone is named among prohibited anabolic agents in the 2026 World Anti Doping Agency list and is prohibited at all times. 4
Can drug tests detect oxymetholone?
Sports laboratories can analyse oxymetholone and related metabolites using specialised methods.
Can Anadrol side effects be permanent?
Some liver, cardiovascular, fertility or androgenic effects may persist. The outcome depends on exposure and individual response.
References
- United States Food and Drug Administration: Anadrol 50 Oxymetholone Label
- United States Food and Drug Administration: Orange Book
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: 21 CFR 1308.13 Schedule III
- World Anti Doping Agency: 2026 Prohibited List
- National Library of Medicine, LiverTox: Androgenic Steroids
- National Library of Medicine, GeneReviews: Fanconi Anemia
- National Toxicology Program: Oxymetholone, Report on Carcinogens
- National Library of Medicine, PubChem: Oxymetholone