|Main use||Active ingredient||Manufacturer|
|Postmenopausal osteoporosis||Nandrolone decanoate||Organon|
How does it work?
Deca Durabolin injection contains the active ingredient nandrolone decanoate, which is a type of medicine called an anabolic steroid.
Anabolic steroids have the same properties as the natural hormone testosterone. They are believed to increase the production of protein by the body and to enhance muscle development. Nandrolone also causes masculinisation in men who are deficient in natural male hormones, however in men with no testosterone deficiency, it actually reduces sperm production.
Nandrolone injection is licensed to treat osteoporosis in women who have passed the menopause, however, this is no longer a recommended treatment for osteoporosis.
In osteoporosis there is loss of bone tissue, resulting in bones that are brittle and liable to fracture. Nandrolone works by influencing the metabolism of calcium (an important constituent of bone and teeth) and thereby increasing bone mass in women suffering from osteoporosis. This makes the bones stronger and less likely to break.
Deca Durabolin injection contains nandrolone decanoate in a peanut oil (arachis oil) base, which releases the active ingredient slowly over a period of up to three weeks. This is known as a "depot" injection. The injection is given into a muscle (usually the buttock) every three weeks.
What is it used for?
- Osteoporosis in women who have passed the menopause
- Insufficient production of red and white blood cells by the bone marrow (aplastic anaemia)
- Women having treatment with this medicine may develop adult male characteristics such as hoarseness, increased hair growth, acne and increased sex drive. This is most likely to happen with high doses, prolonged treatment or too frequent administration. Discontinuation of the treatment should be considered if this happens.
Use with caution in
- Elderly people
- History of heart failure
- History of epilepsy
- History of migraines
- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
- Cancer that has spread from its original site to the bones (skeletal metastases)
- Incomplete growth in height
Not to be used in
- Allergy to peanuts or soya
- Hereditary blood disorders called porphyrias
- Men with breast cancer or prostate cancer.
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
- This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause masculinisation of the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- The safety of this medicine during breastfeeding has not been established. It should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Development of male characteristics (eg hoarseness, hair growth, acne or increased sex drive) in women
- Stopping or absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhoea)
- Premature closure of the ends of bones in prepubescent males causing stunted growth
- Decrease in production of sperm in men
- Retention of sodium in the body which leads to the accumulation of fluid (oedema)
- Alteration in results of liver function tests
- Liver tumours
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while using this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
Nandrolone may enhance the anti-blood-clotting effects of the anticoagulants nicoumalone, phenindione and warfarin.
Some people with diabetes may need small adjustments in their dose of insulin or antidiabetic tablets while having treatment with this medicine. You should monitor your blood sugar and seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist if your blood sugar control seems to be altered after starting this medicine.
Other medicines containing the same active ingredient
There are currently no other medicines available in the UK that contain nandrolone as the active ingredient.