An anabolic (mass-building) steroid.

an oral ANABOLIC STEROID approved by the FDA in 1962 as a general remedy for weight loss in a variety of conditions including CHRONIC infection. Now being studied as treatment for AIDS-related WASTING SYNDROME.

Indications: Anabolic steroid for treatment of AIDS wasting syndrome. Contraindications: Known hypersensitivity, history of breast or prostate cancer, significant hepatic dysfunction, nephrosis, pregnancy. Dosage: 5-10 mg po bid. Toxicity: Edema, hypertension, virilization, glucose intolerance, hyperlipidemia, abnormal liver function tests. Pregnancy category X.

A drug used to help patients gain weight after injury, chronic infection, or severe illness. It belongs to the family of drugs called anabolic steroids.

Oxandrolone (Oxandrin) is an anabolic steroid created by Searle Laboratories under the trademark Anavar, and introduced into the US in 1964. It is taken orally, and unlike other steroids delivered in this manner, most of which are Class II steroids, the majority of its effects are due to reaction with the androgen receptor. In sufficient dosage, Oxandrolone is highly likely to bind well with the receptor, and is therefore a Class I steroid, while having few other side-effects.