por Russek » Lun Oct 24, 2011 11:17 pm
Deca-Durabolin® (nandrolone decanoate)ı
Androgenic 37
Anabolic 125
Standard Testosterone
Chemical Names 19-norandrost-4-en-3-one-17beta-ol
17beta-hydroxy-estr-4-en-3-one
Estrogenic Activity low
Progestational Activity moderate
Description:
Nandrolone decanoate is an injectable form of the
anabolic steroid nandrolone.The decanoate ester provides
a slow release of nandrolone from the site of injection,
lasting for up to three weeks. Nandrolone is very similar to
testosterone in structure, although it lacks a carbon atom
at the 19th position (hence its other name, 19nortestosterone).
Like testosterone, nandrolone exhibits
relatively strong anabolic properties. Unlike testosterone,
however, its tissue-building activity is accompanied by
weak androgenic properties. Much of this has to do with
the reduction of nandrolone to a weaker steroid,
dihydronandrolone, in the same androgen-responsive
target tissues that potentate the action of testosterone (by
converting it to DHT). The mild properties of nandrolone
decanoate have made it one of the most popular injectable
steroids worldwide, highly favored by athletes for its ability
to promote significant strength and lean muscle mass
gains without strong androgenic or estrogenic side effects.
History:
Nandrolone decanoate was first described in 1960,437 and
became a prescription medication in 1962. It was
developed by the international pharmaceuticals giant
Organon, and sold under the brand name Deca-Durabolin.
The name Deca-Durabolin denotes that the product
contains a variant of Organon's previously popular
nandrolone injectable Durabolin (nandrolone
phenylpropionate) using an ester of 10 carbon atoms.
Organon expanded the market for nandrolone decanoate
very rapidly following its release. Probably owing to a
combination of its favorable properties and the large
market presence of Organon, Deca-Durabolin soon
became one of the most widely distributed anabolic
steroids in the world.
When first introduced to the United States, nandrolone
decanoate (like Durabolin) was prescribed for a variety of
ailments. Listed indications included pre- and
OH
Nandrolone
postoperative use for building lean mass, osteoporosis,
advanced breast cancer, weight loss due to convalescence
or disease, geriatric states (general weakness and frailty),
burns, severe trauma, ulcers, adjunct therapy with certain
forms of anemia, and selective cases of growth and
development retardation in children. The drug was initially
sold in a dosage of only 50 mg/ml, owing to the very low
recommended doses (usually 50-100 mg every 3-4 weeks).
The drug was soon updated to include a 100 mg/ml
version, reflecting the need for higher doses in some
situations, particularly those with refractory anemia and
advanced breast cancer. Later, a 200 mg/ml product was
released by Organon as well.
Although the drug had been applied favorably for a great
many medical uses for approximately a decade, by the mid1970'
s the indicated uses for nandrolone decanoate were
being refined, both in the U.S. and abroad. FDA approved
prescribing information from 1975 lists nandrolone
decanoate as "probably effective" as adjunct therapy in
senile and postmenopausal osteoporosis, as well as for
treating pituitary-deficient dwarfism until growth
hormone is more available. It was also deemed "possibly
effective" in aiding the retention of lean mass, controlling
advanced breast cancer, and as adjunctive therapy for
certain types of anemia. More time was given to
investigate the potential "less than effective" uses of the
drug.
Modern (approved) medical applications for the drug are
even more refined than they were in the mid-1970's. In the
United States, the drug is now only FDA approved for
treating anemia, although it is often also used "off label"to
preserve lean mass in HIV positive patients and others
suffering from wasting diseases. Outside of the U.S.,
Organon seems to support the use of this drug mainly with
patients suffering from severe anemia, osteoporosis, and
advanced breast cancer. The Organon Deca-Durabolin
brand of nandrolone decanoate remains widely available
today. In addition, nandrolone decanoate is produced as a
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William llewellyn's ANABOlleS, 8th ed.
generic drug in many countries, and is also manufactured
under numerous other distinctive brand names, both for
human and veterinary use.
How Supplied:
Nandrolone decanoate is widely available in human and
veterinary drug markets. Composition and dosage may
vary by country and manufacturer, but usually contain 25
mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml, or 200 mg/ml of steroid
dissolved in oil.
Structural Characteristics:
Nandrolone decanoate is a modified form of nandrolone,
where a carboxylic acid ester (decanoic acid) has been
attached to the 17-beta hydroxyl group. Esterified steroids
are less polar than free steroids, and are absorbed more
slowly from the area of injection. Once in the bloodstream,
the ester is removed to yield free (active) nandrolone.
Esterified steroids are designed to prolong the window of
therapeutic effect following administration, allowing for a
less frequent injection schedule compared to injections of
free (unesterified) steroid. Nandrolone decanoate
provides a sharp spike in nandrolone release 24-48 hours
following deep intramuscular injection, which steadily
declines to near baseline levels approximately two weeks
later. The mean depot-release half-life of nandrolone
decanoate is 8 days.
Pharmacokinetics of Nandrolene
Decanoate Injection
8
7
~ _ 6
~:z 5 -c ~ 4
is 3
Z 2
1
o
3 5 7 9 1 1 1 3 1 6
Day
Figure 1. Pharmacokinetics of 200 mg Nandrolone
Decanoate injection. Source: Pharmacokinetic
parameters of nandrolone (19-nortestosterone> after
intramuscular administration of nandrolone
decanoate (Deca-Durabolin®) to healthy volunteers.
Wijnand H, Bosch A, Donker C. Acta Endocrinol198S
supp 271 19-30.
Side Effects (Estrogenic):
Nandrolone has a low tendency for estrogen conversion,
estimated to be only about 200/0 of that seen with
testosterone.438 This is because while the liver can convert
nandrolone to estradiol, in other more active sites of
steroid aromatization such as adipose tissue nandrolone
is far less open to this process.439 Consequently, estrogenrelated
side effects are a much lower concern with this
drug than with testosterone. Elevated estrogen levels may
still be noticed with higher dosing, however, and may
cause side effects such as increased water retention, body
fat gain, and gynecomastia. An anti-estrogen such as
clomiphene citrate or tamoxifen citrate may be necessary
to prevent estrogenic side effects if they occur. One may
alternately use an aromatase inhibitor like Arimidex®
(anastrozole), which more efficiently controls estrogen by
preventing its synthesis. Aromatase inhibitors can be
quite expensive in comparison to anti-estrogens,
however, and may also have negative effects on blood
lipids.
It is of note that nandrolone has some activity as a
progestin in the body.44o Although progesterone is a c-19
steroid, removal of this group as in 19-norprogesterone
creates a hormone with greater binding affinity for its
corresponding receptor. Sharing this trait, many 19-nor
anabolic steroids are shown to have some affinity for the
progesterone receptor as wel1.441 The side effects
associated with progesterone are similar to those of
estrogen, including negative feedback inhibition of
testosterone production and enhanced rate of fat storage.
Progestins also augment the stimulatory effect of
estrogens on mammary tissue growth. There appears to
be a strong synergy between these two hormones here,
such that gynecomastia might even occur with the help of
progestins, without excessive estrogen levels. The use of
an anti-estrogen, which inhibits the estrogenic
component of this disorder, is often sufficient to mitigate
gynecomastia caused by nandrolone.
Side Effects (Androgenic):
Although classified as an anabolic steroid, androgenic side
effects are still possible with this substance, especially
with higher doses. This may include bouts of oily skin,
acne, and body/facial hair growth. Anabolic/androgenic
steroids may also aggravate male pattern hair loss.
Women are warned of the potential virilizing effects of
anabolic/androgenic steroids. These may include a
deepening of the voice, menstrual irregularities, changes
in skin texture, facial hair growth, and clitoral
enlargement. Nandrolone is a steroid with relatively low
androgenic activity relative to its tissue-building actions,
making the threshold for strong androgenic side effects
comparably higher than with more androgenic agents
such as testosterone, methandrostenolone, or
fluoxymesterone.lt is also important to point out that due
to its mild androgenic nature and ability to suppress
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William Llewellyn's ANABBLleS, 9'lb ed.
endogenous testosterone, nandrolone is prone to
interfering with libido in males when used without
another androgen.
Note that in androgen-responsive target tissues such as
the skin, scalp, and prostate, the relative androgenicity of
nandrolone is reduced by its reduction to
dihydronandrolone (DHN).442 443 The 5-alpha reductase
enzyme is responsible for this metabolism of nandrolone.
The concurrent use of a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor such
as finasteride or dutasteride will interfere with sitespecific
reduction of nandrolone action, considerably
increasing the tendency of nandrolone to produce
androgenic side effects. Reductase inhibitors should be
avoided with nandrolone if low androgenicity is desired.
Side Effects (Hepatotoxicity):
Nandrolone is not c-17 alpha alkylated, and not known to
have hepatotoxic effects in healthy subjects. Liver toxicity
is unlikely.
Side Effects (Cardiovascular):
Anabolic/androgenic steroids can have deleterious effects
on serum cholesterol. This includes a tendency to reduce
HDL (good) cholesterol values and jncrease LDL (bad)
cholesterol values, which may shift the HDL to LDL
balance in a direction that favors greater risk of
arteriosclerosis. The relative impact of an
anabolic/androgenic steroid on serum lipids is dependant
on the dose, route of administration (oral vs. injectable),
type of steroid (aromatizable or non-aromatizable), and
level of resistance to hepatic metabolism. Studies
administering 600 mg of nandrolone decanoate per week
for 10 weeks demonstrated a 26% reduction in HDL
cholesterol levels.444 This suppression is slightly greater
than that reported with an equal dose of testosterone
enanthate, and is in agreement with earlier studies
showing a slightly stronger negative impact on HDL/LDL
ratio with nandrolone decanoate as compared to
testosterone cypionate.445 Nandrolone decanoate should
still have a significantly weaker impact on serum lipids
than c-17 alpha alkylated agents. Anabolic/androgenic
steroids may also adversely affect blood pressure and
triglycerides, reduce endothelial relaxation, and support
left ventricular hypertrophy, all potentially increasing the
risk of cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction.
To help reduce cardiovascular strain it is advised to
maintain an active cardiovascular exercise program and
minimize the intake of saturated fats, cholesterol, and
simple carbohydrates at all times during active AAS
administration. Supplementing with fish oils (4 grams per
day) and a natural cholesterol/antioxidant formula such as
Lipid Stabil or a product with comparable ingredients is
also recommended.
Side Effects (Testosterone Suppression):
All anabolic/androgenic steroids when taken in doses
sufficient to promote muscle gain are expected to
suppress endogenous testosterone production. Studies
administering 100 mg per week of nandrolone decanoate
for 6 weeks have demonstrated an approximate 570/0
reduction in serum testosterone levels during therapy. At
a dosage of 300 mg per week, this reduction reached
70%.446 It is believed that the progestationaI activity of
nandrolone notably contributes to the suppression of
testosterone synthesis during therapy, which can be
marked in spite of a low tendency for estrogen
conversion.447 Without the intervention of testosteronestimulating
substances, testosterone levels should return
to normal within 2-6 months of drug secession. Note that
prolonged hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism can
develop secondary to steroid abuse, necessitating
medical intervention.
The above side effects are not inclusive. For more detailed
discussion ofpotential side effects, see the Steroid Side Effects
section of this book.
Administration (Men):
For general anabolic effects, early prescribing guidelines
recommend a dosage of 50-100 mg every 3-4 weeks for 12
weeks. To treat renal anemia, the prescribing guidelines
for nandrolone decanoate recommend a dosage of 100200
mg per week. The usual dosage for physique- or
performance-enhancing purposes is the range of 200-600
mg per week, taken in cycles 8 to 12 weeks in length. This
level is sufficient for most users to notice measurable
gains in lean muscle mass and strength. It is often stated
that nandrolone decanoate will exhibit its optimal effect
(best gain/side effect ratio) at 2mg per pound of
bodyweight/weekly, although individual differences in
response will likely dictate varying ideal doses for
different users. Deca is not known as a very "fast" builder.
The muscle-building effect of this drug is quite noticeable,
but not dramatic. In general, one can expect to gain
muscle weight at about half the rate of that with an equal
amount of testosterone.
Nandrolone decanoate is often combined with other
steroids for an enhanced effect. A corrlbination of 200-400
mg/week of nandrolone decanoate and 10-20 mg daily of
Winstrol®, for example, is noted to greatly enhance the
look of muscularity and definition when dieting/cutting. A
strong non-aromatizing androgen like Halotestin® or
trenbolone could also be used, again providing an
enhanced level of hardness and density to the muscles.
Being a moderately strong muscle builder, nandrolone
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William Llewellyn's ANABOLICS, 9th ed.
can also be incorporated into bulk cycles with acceptable
results. The classic "Deca and D-bol" stack (usually 200-400
mg of nandrolone decanoate per week and 15-25 mg of
Dianabol per day) has been a bodybuilding basic for
decades, and always seems to provide excellent muscle
growth. A stronger androgen such as Anadrol 50® or
testosterone could also be substituted, producing greater
results, but with more water retention.
Administration (Women):
For general anabolic effects, early prescribing guidelines
recommend a dosage of 50-100 mg every 3-4 weeks for 12
weeks. To treat renal anemia, the prescribing guidelines
for nandrolone decanoate recommend a dosage of 50100
mg per week. When used for physique- or
performance-enhancing purposes, a dosage of 50 mg per
week is most common, taken for 4-6 weeks. Although only
slightly androgenic, women are occasionally confronted
with virilization symptoms when taking this compound.
Studies have del1lonstrated high tolerability (minor but
statistically insignificant incidence of virilizing side effects)
with a dose of 100 mg every other week for 12 weeks,448
while long-term studies (+12 months of use) have
demonstrated virilizing side effects on a dose as low as 50
mg every 2-3 weeks.449 Should virilizing side effects
become a concern, nandrolone decanoate should be
discontinued immediately to help prevent their
permanent appearance. After a sufficient period of
withdrawal, the shorter-acting nandrolone Durabolin®
might be considered a safer option. This drug stays active
for only several days, greatly reducing the withdrawal time
if indicated.
Availability:
Deca-Durabolin is one of the most widely duplicated
steroids in the world, with fakes taking on many different
forms. Legitimate drugs are also widely sold. Below are
some of the more popular items currently found on the
U.S. black market.
Organon no longer sells Deca-Durabolin in the United
States. Watson Labs and Schein Pharmaceuticals also
discontinued their generics as well. This drug is presently
unavailable in the U.s.
Balkan Pharmaceuticals in Moldova produces a
nandrolone decanoate product called Nandrolona D. It
comes packaged in 1 mL ampules. Counterfeits have not
yet been a problem.
Decaland frm Landerlan in Paraguay is a common product
in recent years, especially throughout South America. It
comes in 10 mL multi-dose vials.
Norma Hellas Deca (100 mg/mL nandrolone decanoate in
2 mL vials) from Greece is a good product, but also widely
counterfeited. One should only purchase this steroid
when packaged in a box with paperwork. The firm has
recently started using a patented photochromic label to
deter counterfeiting, which carries a metallic/holographic
watermark of the Norma Hellas logo.This is a very difficult
feature to duplicate, and should provide very strong
assurance of a legitimate purchase.
Greek Deca-Durabolin from Organon is another widely
counterfeited product. It is one of only a handful of
European nandrolone injectables to be found in multidosed
vials, making it an easy target for counterfeiters
that lack the capacity to produce glass ampules. Make
sure you purchase this product only when it comes in a
box with the proper Greek drug ID sticker. As with all
Greek drugs, the sticker should show a hidden mark under
UV light.
Greek Extraboline may be in circulation, and is generally
regarded as a high quality item on par with Organon
Deca-Durabolin. This also makes it a common target of
counterfeiting. As with all Greek drugs, only buy this when
properly boxed so you can place the peel-off pharmacy
sticker under UV lighting to look for the hidden
watermark. All Extraboline in circulation will also carry a
holographic image directly on the vial label. Finding this
feature should assure a legitimate purchase.
PB Labs in India is still producing Deca-Pronabol 200. This
comes in the form of a 1 mL ampule containing 200 mg of
steroid.This item is scarce on the black market these days,
probably because India is not a very hot source country,
and other cheaper forms of Deca are more easily found.
The Indian export firm Alpha-Pharma also makes a
nandrolone decanoate product. It comes in 2mL multidose
vials containing 200mg each.
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