- Anadrol is oxymetholone, one of the few steroids still approved as a medicine in the US, for certain anemias.
- It’s the strongest common oral for fast weight and strength gain, much of it water.
- It’s also one of the most liver-toxic, and it often raises blood pressure.
- It’s used for short periods only, with liver bloodwork and blood pressure checks.
Anadrol has a simple reputation: nothing puts on size and strength faster. That reputation is earned, and so is its reputation as one of the hardest steroids on the body. This guide explains what oxymetholone is, how it’s used medically, what users experience, and the risks Canadians should weigh.
What is Anadrol?
Oxymetholone is a DHT-derived oral steroid developed in 1960. Unlike most anabolic steroids, it’s still approved in the US (as Anadrol-50) to treat anemias caused by deficient red blood cell production, such as aplastic anemia. It was also studied for muscle wasting in HIV. It isn’t marketed in Canadian pharmacies.
Oxymetholone doesn’t convert to estrogen through aromatase, yet it often causes estrogen-like side effects such as water retention and gynecomastia. One explanation is that it may act on estrogen receptors directly.
Clinical reference doses
For anemia, the US label dose is 1 to 5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, with 1 to 2 mg/kg the usual starting range, continued for three to six months while blood counts are monitored. Those patients are closely supervised for liver problems. There’s no approved dose for building muscle.
What users report
- Large, fast weight gain, often within two weeks, with substantial water retention
- Rapid strength increases
- Strong pumps, sometimes painful
- Reduced appetite or nausea in some people
Side effects
Liver
Oxymetholone is 17-alpha-alkylated and among the most hepatotoxic steroids. The drug’s own label warns of peliosis hepatis, liver tumours and cholestatic jaundice. Liver enzymes need checking before and during use, and symptoms such as yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools or upper-right abdominal pain need urgent medical care. See our liver guide.
Blood pressure and fluid
Water retention commonly raises blood pressure. Check it several times a week; Canadian pharmacies have free machines. See our blood pressure guide.
Cholesterol and blood
HDL falls and LDL rises. Because it stimulates red blood cell production (the reason it treats anemia), hematocrit can climb.
Other effects
- Gynecomastia and water retention
- Acne and hair loss in people prone to them
- Headaches, nausea and loss of appetite
- Suppressed natural testosterone and sperm production
Bloodwork in Canada
Check liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT, bilirubin), a lipid panel, a complete blood count, blood pressure, testosterone and estradiol before, during and after use. Book through your family doctor or privately at LifeLabs or Dynacare.
Is Anadrol legal in Canada?
Oxymetholone is an anabolic steroid, listed in Schedule IV of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Possessing it for personal use isn’t an offence; trafficking, importing and exporting without authorization are.
Buying Anadrol in Canada
We stock Zionova Anadrol 50 (50 mg tablets, 50 per bottle) and Anadrol Genetix Pharma. Check each product page for current specs and prices; the oral steroids page compares cost per tablet live. For a head-to-head with Dianabol, see Anadrol vs Dianabol.
Frequently asked questions
Is Anadrol the strongest oral steroid?
For fast weight and strength gain, it’s generally considered the strongest common oral, much of the gain being water.
Is Anadrol still a prescription drug?
In the US, Anadrol-50 is still approved for certain anemias. It isn’t marketed in Canadian pharmacies.
How bad is Anadrol for the liver?
It’s among the most liver-toxic steroids, and its label warns of liver tumours and peliosis hepatis. Liver monitoring is essential.
Why does Anadrol cause bloating if it doesn’t aromatize?
It may act on estrogen receptors directly, and it causes fluid retention through other pathways.
Is Anadrol legal in Canada?
It’s Schedule IV under the CDSA. Personal possession isn’t an offence; trafficking, importing and exporting without authorization are.
Products mentioned in this guide
This article is general information for adults in Canada, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any prescription drug, anabolic steroid or research compound, and get bloodwork done. If you’re in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time.
