Anabolic steroid

Oxymetholone

Oxymetholone is an oral anabolic steroid used in the management of certain anaemias, including selected aplastic and hypoplastic anaemias.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

As a synthetic androgen it stimulates erythropoietin production and red cell precursor activity, promoting red blood cell formation.

Prescribing in practice

It is hepatotoxic and has been associated with cholestatic jaundice, peliosis hepatis and liver tumours, so liver function must be monitored and it is contraindicated in significant liver disease.
As an androgen it can cause virilisation and is contraindicated in pregnancy.
It can affect lipid profiles and cause fluid retention, requiring caution in cardiac, renal or hepatic impairment.

Monitoring

Monitor liver function, the full blood count, and lipids during treatment.

Counselling the patient

Report yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or abdominal pain promptly.
Tell your clinician about virilising effects such as voice change or unwanted hair growth.

Evidence & guidelines

Its use in bone marrow failure anaemias reflects long-standing haematology practice; prescribe in line with current prescribing references.

Reference: SmPC; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways