contraindications: Contraindicated in individuals with pre-existing hepatic impairment, carcinoma of the prostate or breast, nephrotic syndrome, or hypercalcaemia.
Not indicated for females of childbearing potential due to virilisation risk from high-affinity androgen receptor activation.
Avoid in patients using anticoagulants (warfarin): Oxymetholone's AR-mediated effects alter clotting factor synthesis.
side_effects: Hepatotoxicity: 17α-alkylation causes dose-dependent elevation of ALT/AST; peliosis hepatis is a rare but serious outcome with prolonged use.
Haematological: Erythropoietin-driven polycythaemia can elevate haematocrit above safe thresholds, increasing thrombotic risk.
Androgenic: Scalp recession, acne, and prostate hypertrophy reflect direct DHT-pathway AR activation unmediated by 5α-reductase.
Progesterone receptor cross-reactivity may cause gynecomastia even in the absence of aromatisation — an often overlooked mechanism.
Dyslipidaemia: Significant suppression of HDL-C and elevation of LDL-C observed in clinical studies at therapeutic doses.
monitoring: Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin) at baseline, week 3, and cycle end.
Full blood count with haematocrit — target <52 % in males throughout the cycle.
Lipid panel every 4 weeks; cardiovascular risk assessment required.
Blood pressure monitoring twice weekly due to fluid retention secondary to PR activity.
pct: Initiate PCT approximately 24 hours after the final tablet, given the short ~8–10 hour half-life.
Recommended agents: Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) 40/40/20/20 mg tapering protocol or Clomiphene 50/50/25/25 mg.
Include a liver support agent (UDCA or TUDCA) for a minimum of 4 weeks post-cycle to support hepatocyte recovery.
Natural testosterone restoration is expected within 8–12 weeks with appropriate PCT; bloodwork at week 8 confirms HPG-axis recovery.