Deca-Durabolin Side Effects
Generic name: nandrolone
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 24, 2023.
Note: This document contains side effect information about nandrolone. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Deca-Durabolin.
Applies to nandrolone: injection oil.
Serious side effects of Deca-Durabolin
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of high calcium levels like weakness, confusion, feeling tired, headache, upset stomach and throwing up, constipation, or bone pain.
- Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
- For women, no period.
- For females, a deep voice, facial hair, pimples, or period changes.
- More interest in sex.
- For males, erections (hard penis) that happen often or that last a long time.
- Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
- Very bad headache.
Other side effects of Deca-Durabolin
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to nandrolone: intramuscular solution.
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular effects may be precipitated in patients adversely affected by fluid retention. Edema, with and without congestive heart failure, has occurred during anabolic steroid therapy.[Ref]
Genitourinary
Genitourinary effects following chronic administration and/or large dosages of anabolic steroids can result in oligospermia and decreased ejaculatory volume. Elderly male patients may experience prostatic enlargement resulting in urinary obstruction. Priapism and excessive stimulation may develop. Female patients may experience virilization including deepening voice, hirsutism, acne, clitomegaly (not reversible), and menstrual abnormalities. Discontinuation of medication at signs of mild virilization may prevent irreversible virilization. Alterations in libido may occur (increased/decreased).[Ref]
Hepatic
Life-threatening peliosis hepatis and hepatic abnormalities such as hepatic neoplasms and hepatocellular carcinomas have occurred following prolonged therapy with high doses of anabolic steroids. Tumor regression did not occur in all cases following medication withdrawal. Cholestatic hepatitis, jaundice, and abnormal liver function tests may occur at relatively low dosages.[Ref]
Hepatic tumors associated with anabolic steroid use are more vascular than other hepatic tumors and may remain silent until the development of life-threatening abdominal hemorrhage. Peliosis hepatis may present as mild liver dysfunction, but has resulted in liver failure.[Ref]
Other
Female patients may experience virilization including deepening voice, hirsutism, acne, clitomegaly (not reversible), and menstrual abnormalities. Discontinuation of anabolic steroids at signs of mild virilization may prevent irreversible virilization.[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal effects of anabolic steroids involve closure of the epiphyseal growth centers by termination of linear bone growth. Appropriate monitoring of bone age is recommended during use in prepubertal patients.[Ref]
Oncologic
Oncologic effects following prolonged therapy with large doses of anabolic steroids have included hepatic neoplasms and hepatocellular carcinomas.[Ref]
Hematologic
Hematologic effects occurring during anabolic steroid therapy included alterations in clotting factors II, V, VII and X , prolonged prothrombin time (PT), and increased red cell production.[Ref]
Endocrine
Endocrine side effects noted during exogenous administration of anabolic steroids have included inhibition of endogenous testosterone release by means of feedback inhibition of pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH). Large doses of exogenous anabolic steroids may suppress spermatogenesis through inhibition of pituitary follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The androgenic activity of anabolic steroids may decrease levels of thyroxin-binding globulin and result in decreased total T4 serum levels and increased resin uptake of T3 and T4. Free thyroid hormone levels remain unchanged and there is no clinical evidence of thyroid dysfunction.[Ref]
Metabolic
Metabolic effects occurring during anabolic steroid therapy in immobilized patients or those with metastatic breast disease have included osteolytic-induced hypercalcemia. Anabolic steroids affect electrolyte balance, nitrogen retention, and urinary calcium excretion. Edema, with and without congestive heart failure, has occurred. Decreased glucose tolerance requiring adjustments in hyperglycemic control has been noted in diabetic patients. Significant increases in low density lipoproteins (LDL) and decreases in high density lipoproteins (HDL) have occurred.[Ref]
Renal
Renal retention of nitrogen, sodium, potassium, chloride, water and phosphorus, and decreased urinary excretion of calcium have occurred.[Ref]
Psychiatric
Psychiatric effects of anabolic steroids have included habituation, excitation, insomnia, depression, and libido changes.[Ref]
Dermatologic
Acne has been the dermatologic side effect most frequently reported. The greatest incidence of occurrence has been in women and prepubertal males.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal effects occurring during nandrolone (the active ingredient contained in Deca-Durabolin) therapy have included nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.[Ref]
More about Deca-Durabolin (nandrolone)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: androgens and anabolic steroids
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
References
1. Kuipers H, Wijnen JA, Hartgens F, Willems SM. Influence of anabolic steroids on body composition, blood pressure, lipid profile and liver functions in body builders. Int J Sports Med. 1991;12:413-8.
2. Johansen KL, Mulligan K, Schambelan M. Anabolic effects of nandrolone decanoate in patients receiving dialysis: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 1999;281:1275-81.
3. Moldawer M. Anabolic agents: clinical efficacy versus side effects. J Am Med Womens Assoc. 1968;23:352-69.
4. Geusens P. Nandrolone decanoate: pharmacological properties and therapeutic use in osteoporosis. Clin Rheumatol. 1995;14(suppl 3):32-9.
5. Product Information. Deca-Durabolin (nandrolone). Organon. 2001;PROD.
6. Cattran DC, Fenton SS, Wilson DR, Oreopoulos D, Shimizu A, Richardson RM. A controlled trial of nondrolone decanoate in the treatment of uremic anemia. Kidney Int. 1977;12:430-7.
7. Hassager C, Podenphant J, Riis BJ, Johansen JS, Jensen J, Christiansen C. Changes in soft tissue body composition and plasma lipid metabolism during nandrolone decanoate therapy in postmenopausal osteoporoti women. Metabolism. 1989;38:238-42.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.
