Compound profile
Oxandrolone
Also known as Anavar, Oxandrin, Var
Last reviewed October 2026
Educational only. A summary of published research, not medical advice or a recommendation. No doses are listed.
Quick take
An oral steroid often described as “mild”, though its US approval was pulled in 2023 and it still strains the liver and cholesterol.
- Class
- Anabolic steroids
- Status
- Previously approved
- Evidence
- Early or small human studies
- Half-life
- Not well documented
Mechanism fingerprint
What it acts on, and how. Each chip links to that pathway on the map.
A DHT-derived steroid that doesn't convert to estrogen, modified to survive the liver so it works as a tablet.
What makes it different
A DHT-derived tablet often called “mild”: it can't convert to estrogen, but it still strains the liver and cholesterol, and its US approval was withdrawn in 2023.
Compare side by side
Mechanism & pathways
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Agonist
Androgen receptor
Receptor for testosterone and DHT. Activating it builds muscle and drives male traits such as body hair and a deeper voice. Every anabolic steroid binds it.
Evidence overview
Early or small human studies
Clinical trials in burns, HIV-related wasting and other conditions showed lean mass gains. In 2023 the FDA determined it had been withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness.
A breakdown into human, animal and cell studies hasn't been added for this compound yet.
Why it's used
Medically, it helped people regain weight and muscle after burns, surgery or severe illness. Bodybuilders, and many women, use it for strength and lean muscle with little water gain, especially while dieting.
Side effects & risks
Reported side effects
- Lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol
- Raised liver enzymes
- Acne
- Lower libido
Risks and warnings
- Its label carried boxed warnings for peliosis hepatis (blood-filled liver cysts), liver tumors and blood lipid changes
- Oral 17α-alkylated steroid: can injure the liver, including cholestatic jaundice, blood-filled cysts (peliosis hepatis) and liver tumors.
- Lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol and raises LDL, adding to heart disease risk.
- Shuts down the body's own testosterone production: testicles shrink and sperm counts fall, and recovery after stopping can take months or be incomplete.
- In women: masculinizing effects (deeper voice, facial and body hair, clitoral enlargement) that can be permanent.
- In teenagers, can close growth plates early and stunt final height.
- Underground-lab products are often mislabeled or contaminated, and non-sterile injections can cause abscesses and infections.
- Schedule III controlled substance in the US: illegal to possess without a prescription.
- Prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
FAQ
Short answers taken from this profile.
What is Oxandrolone?
An oral steroid often described as “mild”, though its US approval was pulled in 2023 and it still strains the liver and cholesterol.
How does Oxandrolone work?
A DHT-derived steroid that doesn't convert to estrogen, modified to survive the liver so it works as a tablet.
What receptors or pathways does Oxandrolone act on?
androgen receptor (agonist).
How is Oxandrolone different from similar compounds?
A DHT-derived tablet often called “mild”: it can't convert to estrogen, but it still strains the liver and cholesterol, and its US approval was withdrawn in 2023.
Is Oxandrolone approved?
Was FDA-approved (Oxandrin) to help regain weight after surgery, trauma or illness. The FDA withdrew approval in June 2023 and later determined it had been withdrawn for reasons of safety or effectiveness.
What has Oxandrolone been studied for?
Medically, it helped people regain weight and muscle after burns, surgery or severe illness. Bodybuilders, and many women, use it for strength and lean muscle with little water gain, especially while dieting.
How strong is the evidence?
Early or small human studies. Clinical trials in burns, HIV-related wasting and other conditions showed lean mass gains. In 2023 the FDA determined it had been withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness.
What are the main risks?
Its label carried boxed warnings for peliosis hepatis (blood-filled liver cysts), liver tumors and blood lipid changes. Oral 17α-alkylated steroid: can injure the liver, including cholestatic jaundice, blood-filled cysts (peliosis hepatis) and liver tumors. Lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol and raises LDL, adding to heart disease risk. More are listed under risks and warnings.
Sources
- Hart DW et al. Anabolic effects of oxandrolone after severe burn. Ann Surg 2001.
- Federal Register, June 28, 2023: withdrawal of approval of Oxandrin and generic oxandrolone tablets.
- Federal Register, September 13, 2023: Oxandrin was withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness.
- LiverTox (NIH): Androgenic steroids.