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Anabolic steroid

Oxymetholone

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

Dosing — no UK product information found

We found no UK product information (SmPC) for this medicine or presentation on the eMC or MHRA Products (checked October 2026). It may be unlicensed in the UK, imported, a medical device, or no longer marketed. ClinCalc Pro shows only doses it can trace to official product information, so none is shown — follow your specialist service or local guideline.

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).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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