Nandrolone (NAN-droe-lone)

Treats anemia caused by kidney failure. This medicine is an anabolic steroid.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles, usually in the hip.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using corticotropin (ACTH), a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or diabetes medicine (insulin or oral medicine such as glipizide, glyburide, Amaryl®, Actos™, Avandia®, Glucotrol®, Glucophage®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have heart or blood vessel problems, high cholesterol, liver disease, breast cancer, other kidney problems, prostate problems, bleeding problems, diabetes, or if you are allergic to sesame seeds.
• Do not use this medicine for any condition that has not been diagnosed by your doctor. Steroids will NOT improve athletic ability and may cause serious, permanent side effects if used for that purpose.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood and urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• For females: Tell your doctor if you have changes in your menstrual cycle or any male-like changes such as hoarseness or deepening of your voice, hair growth on your face, new or worse acne, or growth of sex organs.
• For males: Tell your doctor if you have new or worse acne or erections that happen too often or that last too long.
• This medicine may interfere with bone growth in children. Your child's doctor will need to check your child's bone growth every 6 months to make sure this is not happening. If you think your child is not growing, talk with the doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Changes in how much or how often you urinate
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, rapid weight gain
• Unexplained or unusual fever, bleeding, or bruising
• Yellow skin or eyes, dark-colored urine or pale stools

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea or vomiting
• Swollen or tender breasts, trouble having sex, changes in sex organs

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088