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Q: Anabolic Steroids
What is decadurobilan? My cousin in San Fran says the doctors are using it for wasting, and I understand it might be an anabolic steroid? Is it similar to oxandrin? What is the Canadian (red tape) situation with hormone therapy like testosterone and steroid use in HIV-related wasting? Would body building stuff be safer for the liver?
A: Diana Peabody, RD responds:
Deca-durabolin (Nandrolon Decanoate) is an anabolic steroid which can be used to promote weight gain, especially in conjunction with dietary strategies. There is evidence to show benefit in the treatment of wasting with anabolic agents. Numerous studies have shown increase in body cell mass. However, as with any pharmaceutical agent there is a potential for adverse effects and individuals need to assess their paricular situation, in consultation with their physician, to make sound decisions regarding the use of anabolic agents.
According to the Compendium of Pharmaceutical and Specialties (CPS)1998 edition:
1. Anabolic agents have been shown to alter glucose tolerance tests. Thus people with diabetes should be monitored more closely.
2. Serum cholesterol may increase or decrease. Serial measurements of serum cholesterol should be made and therapy adjusted accordingly.
There are myriad other potential adverse effects that have been noticed with varying degrees of frequency. I think the bottom line is that there is potential for benefit in the treatment and prevention of wasting, but these agents are potent pharmaceuticals and should be used in a discriminating manner as with any 'medication'.
In British Columbia I do not know of anyone who is using this particular drug to treat HIV-related wasting, although it is available.
Chester Myers, PhD, MS responds:
Re the Canadian scene, a good resource for information is CATIE (Community AIDS Trestment Information Exchange). CATIE has federal funding for providing services re treatment information across Canada. You can e-mail them through their website at www.catie.ca or call them toll free at 1-800-263-1638. My information is that durabolin/deca-durabolin and testosterone are all available in Canada. Oxandrolone is available only through the Special Access program (formerly called Emergeny Drug Release Program, i.e., EDRP). This information was given to me from CATIE, which is well connected with medical doctors, specialists, government bureaucrats as well as "the community". See www.CATIE.ca
Another good website for info on steroidal issues is www.medibolics.com
