- RAD-140 (testolone) is one of the strongest SARMs, developed for breast cancer and muscle wasting.
- The only human data comes from a small trial in women with advanced breast cancer, where liver enzyme rises were among the side effects.
- It suppresses natural testosterone substantially at the doses bodybuilders use.
- Liver injury cases have been reported in recreational users.
RAD-140 has a reputation as the SARM that comes closest to a steroid for strength and size. That reputation comes with steroid-like downsides and very little human research. This guide covers what’s known.
What is RAD-140?
RAD-140 was developed by Radius Health as a selective androgen receptor modulator. In animal studies it increased muscle with less effect on the prostate than testosterone, and it showed activity against estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer cells, which led to a small clinical trial in women with advanced breast cancer. It has never been approved as a medicine.
What the human trial showed
The phase 1 trial tested RAD-140 in women with advanced breast cancer who had exhausted other treatments. It was designed to test safety, not muscle building. Reported side effects included raised liver enzymes, along with other effects common in cancer treatment. There are no controlled studies of RAD-140 in healthy people.
What users report
- Noticeable strength and lean muscle gains
- Increased aggression or drive in some users
- Gains that depend heavily on diet and training
Side effects
- Testosterone suppression: often marked at typical bodybuilding doses; libido, mood and energy can drop, especially after stopping.
- HDL cholesterol falls.
- Liver: medical journals have published cases of drug-induced liver injury in people using RAD-140.
- Hair loss and acne are reported less than with steroids but do occur.
- Women: virilization is possible.
Stop and see a doctor for yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools or persistent itching.
Bloodwork
Check liver enzymes and bilirubin, a lipid panel, testosterone, LH, FSH and estradiol before, during and after use, through your family doctor or LifeLabs or Dynacare.
Legal status in Canada
RAD-140 isn’t approved by Health Canada, and Health Canada has warned consumers about unauthorized products containing SARMs. It isn’t listed in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. It’s prohibited in sport under the World Anti-Doping Code.
Buying RAD-140 in Canada
We stock RAD-140 Zionova, 10 mg tablets in bottles of 50. See live prices on our SARMs page. Read our SARMs beginner’s guide and SARMs vs steroids before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
Is RAD-140 a steroid?
No. It’s a non-steroidal SARM, but it suppresses testosterone and lowers HDL like many steroids.
Does RAD-140 shut down testosterone?
Yes, often substantially at bodybuilding doses.
Is RAD-140 hard on the liver?
Liver enzyme rises were seen in its cancer trial, and liver injury cases have been published in recreational users.
Is RAD-140 legal in Canada?
It isn’t approved by Health Canada and isn’t listed in the CDSA. Health Canada has warned about unauthorized SARM products.
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.
