Oxymetholone (By mouth)

Introduction:

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

Treats certain types of anemias (decreased red blood cells).

Brand Name(s):

Anadrol-50

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to oxymetholone. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant or if you have severe liver disease, certain types of kidney disease, prostate problems, or certain types of breast cancer.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®). Tell your doctor if you are also using insulin or diabetes medicine that you take by mouth such as glipizide, glyburide, Amaryl®, Actos?, Avandia®, Glucotrol®, or Glucophage®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have blood clotting problems.
  • Tell your doctor if you have breast cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes.
  • Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
  • This medicine may raise or lower your blood sugar, or it may cover up symptoms of very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
  • If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before using this medicine. Some men and women using this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).

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-colored urine or pale stools.
  • Fever, chills.
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
  • Pain and swelling of your testicles.
  • Problems with urination.
  • Rapid weight gain.
  • Shortness of breath, cold sweat, or bluish-colored skin.
  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, feet, or stomach.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising or weakness.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

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

  • Acne, hoarseness, deepening of your voice, increased hair growth, or swelling of the genitals.
  • Changes in menstrual periods.
  • Changes in skin color.
  • Increase in size of breasts (in men).
  • Loss of hair.
  • Mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • Muscle cramps.
  • Problems having sex.
  • Prolonged erection of your penis.
  • Trouble sleeping.
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