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Oxymetholone (By mouth)

Oxymetholone (ox-i-METH-oh-lone)

Treats anemia (decreased number of red blood cells). This medicine is an anabolic steroid.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines and foods can affect how oxymetholone works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
  • Other steroid medicine
  • Blood thinner, including warfarin
  • Insulin or diabetes medicine

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have breast cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, prostate cancer, or blood clotting problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Liver damage or tumors
  • Changes to cholesterol levels in the blood, which could lead to heart disease
  • Prostate problems in older men
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• This medicine may raise or lower your blood sugar level.
• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Hoarseness, deep voice, hair growth on face, menstrual changes, genital swelling, acne in women
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Painful, prolonged erection of your penis, pain and swelling of your testicles
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Changes in skin color
• Nausea, vomiting

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024