Oxandrolone vs RAD-140
Well Studied vs Emerging
avoid Mechanism-based · 53% Both Oxandrolone and RAD-140 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
Oxandrolone RAD-140
Weight 306.44 Da 393.83 Da
Half-life ~9-10 hours ~60 hours
Type 17-alpha-alkylated anabolic-androgenic steroid (C19H30O3) Nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (C20H16ClN5O2)
Key Benefits
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
RAD-140
01 Potent anabolic activity in muscle tissue with high oral bioavailability
02 Tissue-selective action sparing the prostate and other androgen-sensitive organs
03 No aromatization to estrogen (no estrogen-related side effects such as water retention or gynecomastia)
04 No conversion to DHT (reduced risk of hair loss and prostate stimulation compared to testosterone)
05 Long half-life (~60 hours) permitting convenient once-daily oral dosing
06 Neuroprotective properties observed in preclinical models
07 Increased lean body mass and reduced fat mass in preclinical studies
Side Effects
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
RAD-140
Testosterone suppression (dose-dependent, occurs in virtually all users by week 4-6)
Liver enzyme elevation (ALT, AST increases reported in clinical and anecdotal data)
Hair shedding (temporary, typically resolves after discontinuation)
Headaches (most common in the first 1-2 weeks, often transient)
Nausea (mild, usually with initial doses or on an empty stomach)
Lipid disruption (HDL suppression, LDL elevation)
Mild insomnia or sleep disturbance
Reduced libido and mood changes related to testosterone suppression
Contraindications
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
Pre-existing liver disease or elevated liver enzymes at baseline
Hormone-sensitive cancers (prostate cancer, certain breast cancers not being treated under clinical supervision)
Pregnancy or potential pregnancy (teratogenic risk from androgen receptor agonism)
Breastfeeding
Age under 25 (incomplete endocrine system maturation and higher risk of HPG axis disruption)
Concurrent use of hepatotoxic medications without medical supervision
Known cardiovascular disease (insufficient safety data for this population)
Research Evidence
Oxandrolone RAD-140
Status Well Studied Emerging
References 5 studies 5 studies
Latest September 2023 July 2020
FDA Approved Yes No
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.