Retabolil

Retabolil (Nandrolone) is an anabolic steroid (injectable), which is a synthetic derivative of testosterone.

Action of the steroid

improves protein absorption in the athlete's body
increases muscle and bone growth
causes retention of nitrogen, calcium, sodium, potassium, chlorides and phosphorus
has weak androgenic activity.

This drug was created in the 50s, and is currently produced in Hungary at the Gedeon Richter plant. One ampoule contains 50 mg of active substance, ampoule (1 ml). The steroid itself was created as a medical product that treats diseases such as:

muscle dystrophy
dwarfism
sexual weakness.

Pharmacological properties of the drug Retabolil

Nandrolone (17β-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one decanoate) is a testosterone derivative. Unlike testosterone, it has a more pronounced androgenic effect (data obtained during studies on receptors, as well as in preclinical and clinical studies). Nandrolone stimulates human erythropoiesis, as indicated by an increase in the number of red blood cells, an increase in the level of hematocrit and hemoglobin. This effect is used therapeutically to treat anemia caused by bone marrow hypoplasia or decreased erythropoietin production as a result of chemotherapy. If the recommended doses are observed, androgenic effects (for example, virilization) are rarely observed. Nandrolone does not contain a C17 α-alkyl group, which is associated with impaired liver function and the development of cholestasis. Pharmacokinetics. Nandrolone decanoate is slowly released from the injection site and enters the bloodstream. The half-life is 6 days. The ester is quickly converted in the blood to nandrolone with a half-life of ≤1 hour. The total time of hydrolysis of nandrolone decanoate, its distribution and excretion is 4.3 hours. Nandrolone is metabolized in the liver. Nandrolone metabolites (19-norandrosterone, 19-noretiocholanolone and 19-norepiandrosterone) are detected in urine. Their pharmacological activity is unknown.

Retabolil is a long-acting anabolic steroid from the Hungarian pharmaceutical giant Gedeon Richter. The active ingredient in the drug is nandrolone decanoate. If we leave aside the “shadow side” of the use of retabolil - as a doping in sports of elite and not very high achievements - then this drug is used in cases where intensification of protein metabolism is necessary: after surgical interventions, injuries, serious burns, in severe infectious diseases , cachexia, and also, if necessary, slow down bone loss in osteoporosis.

All androgenic-anabolic drugs present on the modern pharmaceutical market are synthetic analogues of the male sex hormone testosterone. This suggests that the molecules of these drugs, although very similar, are not identical to the natural hormone. However, in any case, such similarity makes it possible for artificially created chemicals to interact with the corresponding receptors in the human body and cause a number of metabolic and physiological changes. The term “androgenic-anabolic steroids” seems to be the most objective. Despite certain differences in chemical structure, the molecules of various anabolic steroids exhibit both anabolic and androgenic effects. The first is expressed in the activation of anabolic processes in cells (synthesis of proteins, carbohydrates, enzymes, formation of new tissues, retention of water, vitamins and minerals in the body). The second is to enhance secondary male sexual characteristics, including masculine-type behavior and increased sexual desire in both men and women. Attempts by pharmacologists to completely separate the androgenic and anabolic effects of drugs failed: it was found that in any case, the same receptors responsible for both androgenic and anabolic effects interact with the molecule of the administered substance.

If we talk specifically about retabolil, then it, in comparison with testosterone, has higher anabolic rather than androgenic activity. Using decanoate as an ester (as opposed to, say, fenrlpropionate) allows retabolil to maintain its effect for 3-4 weeks (and this is after a single injection!). The androgenic effect of the drug is to activate the synthesis of nucleic acids and structural proteins, enhance cellular respiration and oxidative phosphorylation in striated muscles with the accumulation of high-energy compounds (ATP, creatine phosphate). Retabolil promotes calcium retention in bones, increases bone density (which is key for osteoporosis), increases appetite, and increases muscle mass. The anabolic effect of the drug is expressed in the stimulation of restoration processes in the epithelium, bone and muscle tissue. Retabolil facilitates the absorption of amino acids from the small intestine (against the background of a protein diet), resulting in a positive nitrogen balance.

Retabolil is available in the form of an oil solution for intramuscular administration. The dose of the drug is selected by the doctor individually. The average single dose for adults is 50 mg (1 ampoule) every 3-4 weeks. For myopathies (progressive muscular dystrophies), severe renal failure, and cancer, doses (or frequency of administration) may be higher. The dose of retabolil for children is calculated based on body weight and is 400 mcg per 1 kg every 3-4 weeks. The use of retabolil implies obtaining a sufficient amount of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals from food. When using the drug in high doses during the ripening period, there is a possibility of premature closure of growth zones.

Use of the drug Retabolil

Anemia. Adults: intramuscularly, men 200 mg once a week, women 100 mg once a week. The therapeutic effect is individual. Treatment should be discontinued if there is no therapeutic effect after 3-6 months of use. After a corresponding improvement in the blood picture or its normalization, the dose should be gradually reduced, regularly monitoring hematological parameters. Deterioration in performance during dose reduction or after completion of treatment may be an indication for resumption of treatment. The period of convalescence. Adults: 50 mg every 3-4 weeks, IM deep into the muscle.

PCT while taking Retaloblil

Ideally, of course, you need to get tested regularly and monitor the levels of hormones in your blood to know when and what to suppress. If there is no such possibility or desire, then you can take 0.25 mg (half a tablet) of Dostinex per week (maximum 0.5 g, but not immediately, it is better to start with a lower dosage, this may be quite enough).

After completing the course, Retabolil is effective for about 2 more weeks. This should be taken into account for the correct implementation of PCT. If you use esters of testosterone or other steroids, then you need to take into account their half-lives in order to correctly coordinate the actions on PCT to restore the production of your own testosterone, suppress estrogen and prolactin/progesterone.

Side effects of the drug Retabolil

in male and female patients: heartburn, loss of appetite, vomiting, burning sensation of the tongue, suppression of gonadotropin secretion, cholestasis, jaundice; retention of nitrogen, sodium and water in the body; swelling, increased vascularization of the skin, hypercalcemia (especially in patients on bed rest and women with metastatic breast cancer). In women: symptoms of virilization (acne, hirsutism, male pattern baldness, irreversible decrease in voice tone, menstrual irregularities, clitoral hypertrophy). In men: suppression of testicular function, oligospermia, gynecomastia.

Why is Retabolil dangerous?

However, this steroid has an important feature. Retabolil has progestogenic activity. This means that instead of being converted to estrogens, it can increase prolactin and progesterone concentrations.

This problem can be solved, but it needs to be solved correctly. Traditional drugs for PCT (post-cycle therapy) will not solve this problem, since they are designed to combat estrogen.

To combat prolactin and progesterone, other drugs are needed, for example, Dostinex.

It is very important to take this into account, because otherwise you can get extremely unpleasant side effects such as Deca Dick (decreased libido, erectile dysfunction) and gynecomastia. And if “Deca Dick” still goes away on its own over time, then gynecomastia can only be eliminated surgically, leaving scars in the nipple area.

Special instructions for the use of the drug Retabolil

Prescribing the drug to children is contraindicated! Do not exceed recommended doses. When prescribing the drug, women should evaluate the benefit/harm ratio due to the androgenic effect of the drug. The drug is prescribed with caution in case of impaired myocardial function, hypertension (arterial hypertension), impaired liver and kidney function, epilepsy, migraine and glaucoma (including a history). During treatment, it is recommended to monitor intraocular pressure due to possible retention of sodium and water in the body. Changes in liver function tests (for example, bromsulfalein test) are possible, so after a 4-week course of treatment it is recommended to monitor liver function. Before and during treatment, a rectal examination of the prostate gland should be performed regularly. In case of diabetes mellitus, the dosage of antidiabetic drugs should be reconsidered. In case of a progressive malignant tumor, adjustment of therapy is necessary taking into account the results of renal tests and the patient’s condition. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding: contraindicated. Effect on the ability to drive vehicles or operate complex machinery: no studies have been conducted.

Warning

It should be understood that independent and unqualified use of steroids is quite dangerous. There are many factors that, due to inexperience, can be ignored and result in side effects.

This information is provided for informational purposes only. Before you start taking it, try to consult with experienced people. It is advisable that this is not a home-grown jock from the area who has read 2 articles on the Internet, but a sports doctor who understands the topic. Or even think about whether you are willing to take risks.

Also, we recently reviewed various types of pharmacology for weight gain (steroids and non-steroidal drugs). We recommend you check it out!

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

According to Wikipedia, nandrolone is an anabolic steroid with a prolonged action. The androgenic effect of the substance is weakly expressed. Nandrolone is a derivative of testosterone , the anabolic effect of which is more pronounced.

The drug stimulates erythropoiesis , the number of red blood cells in the body increases, the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit , and the rate and intensity of protein synthesis increases. It is noteworthy that the product does not contain a C17-alpha-alkyl group, which can cause disturbances in the liver and affect the development of cholestasis .

The anabolic and androgenic indices in the product are successfully combined, so the drug is often used in bodybuilding to gain muscle mass. It does not cause problems with spermatogenesis and skin rashes, and has low toxicity to the liver.

Retabolil is smoothly released from the injection site and enters the bloodstream. The half-life from the body is 6 days. metabolism in the liver. The main metabolites - 19-norandrosterone , 19-norepiandrosterone and 19-noretiocholonolone are excreted in the urine. The therapeutic effect occurs on the 3rd day after taking the first dose.

Contraindications

Retabolil is contraindicated:

during pregnancy and during breastfeeding ;
children under 18 years of age;
for carcinoma of the prostate and mammary glands in men;
after the occurrence of nephrotic syndrome after prolonged therapy with anabolic steroids ;
for metastases in cancer patients ;
if the patient is allergic to the components of the product;
with porphyria ;
for severe liver diseases.

The medicine is prescribed with caution for cardiac disorders, epilepsy , liver and kidney diseases, diabetes mellitus , high blood pressure , migraine and glaucoma .

Indications for use

The drug is prescribed:

with progressive muscular dystrophy ;
for osteoporosis of various origins;
to restore normal protein metabolism after burns , injuries , radiation therapy , severe infections and operations;
with cachexia ;
for the treatment of disseminated breast cancer in women;
for spinal amyotrophy of Werdnig-Hoffmann ;
with glomerulonephritis ;
for gaining muscle mass (in bodybuilding);
for diabetic retinopathy .

The medicine can be combined with cytostatics , glucocorticosteroids , tuberculostatics .

How to take retabolil

The normal dosage of the steroid will be 500-600 mg per week (this is 10-12 ampoules). Nandrolone is especially popular among athletes involved in sports such as bodybuilding and powerlifting.

One of the advantages is the fact that Retabolil can be bought at a pharmacy, but they will not sell it to you without a prescription, because this drug is used as a medicine in medicine. Its price is not very high when compared with other steroids.

One of the disadvantages is that after 2-3 courses the dose must be increased, as the body begins to get used to it, and the previous volume is no longer enough. And this causes discomfort because the concentration of the steroid in the ampoule is not high and more injections have to be done.