Deca durabolin (nandrolone decanoate)
The decanoate salt form of nandrolone, an anabolic steroid analog of testosterone with androgenic, anabolic, and erythropoietin stimulating effects. Nandrolone enters the cell and binds to and activates specific nuclear androgen receptors in responsive tissue, including the prostate, seminal vesicles, scrotum, penis, larynx, hair follicles, muscle, and bone. The resulting activated hormone receptor complex translocates into the nucleus and binds to androgen response elements (ARE) in the promoter region of targeted genes, where the complex promotes gene expression necessary for maintaining male sex characteristics. Mimicking the negative feedback mechanism of testosterone, nandrolone decanoate also suppresses the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH). Furthermore, this agent also stimulates erythropoietin production by enhancing the production of erythropoietic stimulating factors.
What is nandrolone decanoate?
Nandrolone decanoate (Deca-Durabolin) is used to treat anemia associated with chronic (long-term) kidney failure. Generic nandrolone decanoate injections are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
- They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- breast cancer
- diabetes
- heart or blood vessel disease
- high blood calcium levels
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- previous heart attack
- prostate disease
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
- an unusual or allergic reaction to nandrolone decanoate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
How should I use this medicine?
Nandrolone decanoate is for injection into a muscle. It is usually given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
Try not to miss a dose. Injections are usually given several weeks apart. Notify your prescriber or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
What drug(s) may interact with nandrolone decanoate?
- blood thinners
- cyclosporine
- epoetin alfa
- growth hormone
- finasteride
- medicines for diabetes
- saw palmetto
- warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking nandrolone decanoate?
If you are diabetic nandrolone decanoate may affect your blood sugar levels. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving nandrolone decanoate?
- Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- acne
- hair loss
- headache
- sexual difficulties; changes in sexual desire can occur in either male or female patients, and excessive doses can cause impotence in men
- Additional side effects that can occur in men include:
- breast tenderness or enlargement
- frequent erections
- frequent or difficult passing of urine
- groin or scrotum pain
- Additional side effects that can occur in women include:
- irregular vaginal bleeding/spotting
- decrease in breast size
- enlarged clitoris
- hair loss
- facial hair growth
- voice changes (deepening or hoarseness)
- Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- black, tarry stools or light-colored stools
- dark yellow or brown urine
- depression
- nausea, vomiting
- skin rash and itching (hives)
- stomach pain
- unusual bleeding
- unusual swelling
- weight gain
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
Where can I keep my medicine?
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from bright light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Keep out of the reach of children.
