MK-677 vs Oxandrolone
Well Studied vs Well Studied
avoid Mechanism-based · 64% Both MK-677 and Oxandrolone carry hepatotoxic risk. Combining hepatotoxic compounds significantly increases liver damage potential. If unavoidable, include liver support (TUDCA/NAC) and monitor ALT/AST frequently.
Molecular Data
MK-677 Oxandrolone
Weight 624.77 Da 306.44 Da
Half-life ~24 hours ~9-10 hours
Type Non-peptide ghrelin receptor agonist 17-alpha-alkylated anabolic-androgenic steroid (C19H30O3)
Key Benefits
MK-677
01 97% increase in 24-hour growth hormone secretion
02 40-72% elevation in IGF-1 levels
03 Enhanced sleep quality with improved REM patterns
04 Preferential lean tissue gains of 1.1-2.7kg over 8-12 months
05 15% basal metabolic rate increase within 2 weeks
06 Oral administration (no injections required)
Oxandrolone
01 Promotes lean muscle mass gains with minimal water retention
02 Supports recovery of lost body weight following surgery, trauma, or chronic illness
03 Reduces bone pain associated with osteoporosis and improves bone mineral density
04 Does not aromatize to estrogen, avoiding estrogen-related side effects
05 Well-studied safety profile in women, children, and burn patients
06 Enhances nitrogen retention and protein synthesis during caloric deficit
07 Attenuates glucocorticoid-induced catabolism in post-surgical and burn patients
08 Lower androgenic potency compared to most oral anabolic steroids
Side Effects
MK-677
Appetite stimulation (>50% of users)
Water retention (30-40%)
Lethargy (20-30%)
Fasting glucose elevation (5-15mg/dL)
Note on testosterone suppression: at doses up to 20 mg daily, MK-677 is unlikely to cause significant testosterone suppression on its own. Above 20 mg daily, the likelihood of suppression and other side effects (insulin resistance, water retention, lethargy) increases. The case report documenting 85.7% testosterone suppression involved co-administration with LGD-4033, a SARM known to be profoundly suppressive, making the SARM the likely primary driver of that suppression.
Oxandrolone
HDL cholesterol suppression (dose-dependent, most significant lipid effect)
LDL cholesterol elevation
Mild hepatic stress (elevated liver enzymes ALT/AST)
Suppression of endogenous testosterone production
Mild headaches
Nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort
Changes in libido (increase or decrease depending on hormonal context)
Oily skin and mild acne
Contraindications
Heart disease or congestive heart failure
Diabetes or pre-diabetes
Active cancer
Severe cardiovascular disease
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Known or suspected prostate cancer
Breast cancer in males
Breast cancer with hypercalcemia in females
Pregnancy (Category X - known to cause fetal harm)
Nephrosis or nephrotic phase of nephritis
Hypercalcemia
Severe hepatic dysfunction or active liver disease
Hypersensitivity to oxandrolone or any formulation component
Research Evidence
MK-677 Oxandrolone
Status Well Studied Well Studied
References 7 studies 5 studies
Latest July 2024 September 2023
FDA Approved No Yes
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.