What is Nandrolone decanoate?

Nandrolone decanoate, also known as nandrolone caprinate, is an alkylated anabolic steroid indicated in the management of anemia of renal insufficiency and as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of senile and postmenopausal osteoporosis.The process for creating esters of nandrolone was patented in Spain in 195915 and in 1960, it was described as having a long duration of action and strong anabolic effect compared to nandrolone and other esters.

Pharmacodynamics

Nandrolone decanoate is an alkylated anabolic steroid indicated in the management of anemia of renal insufficiency and as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of senile and postmenopausal osteoporosis.It has a long duration of action as it is given every 3-4 weeks, and a wide therapeutic window as acute overdoses are rare. Patients should be counselled regarding the risks of giving this drug to patients with cardiac, renal, or hepatic diseases.

Mechanism of action

Nandrolone decanoate is hydrolyzed to nandrolone, possibly by PDE7B.Nandrolone is brought into cells by receptor mediated endocytosis, where it interacts with the androgen receptor.After binding to the androgen receptor, a conformational change occurs, the androgen receptor enters the nucleus, dimerizes, and can then bind to segments of DNA to regulate transcription.Androgens can also regulate transcription through activation of ERK, Akt, and MAPK; or binding to and competitively inhibiting transcription factors.

Side effects

The side effects of nandrolone decanoate are dependent on dosage, duration of treatment, and individual sensitivity.A number of common, uncommon, and rare side effects have been observed with the medication at recommended dosages.While less common or severe than with many other AAS, the most common side effect of nandrolone decanoate is virilization (masculinization) in women.

Uncommon side effects of nandrolone decanoate at recommended dosages include fluid retention, inhibition of spermatogenesis, testicular atrophy, erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia, increased frequency of penile erections, increased penis size in pre-pubertal boys, clitoral hypertrophy, increased pubic hair growth, oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, hyperlipidemia, decreased HDL cholesterol, increased hemoglobin (to abnormal high levels), hypertension, nausea, epididymitis, bladder irritability, reduced urine flow, benign prostatic hyperplasia, priapism, premature epiphyseal closure (in children), and acne.

Rare side effects include abnormal liver function, jaundice, peliosis hepatis, liver tumors, oily skin, greasy hair, rash, pruritus, exanthema, urticaria at the injection site, and furunculosis.Local injection site reactions may also occur.