Anabolic Steroids

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Anabolic steroids stimulate appetite, increase muscle mass, increase skin thickness, and increase production of red blood cells. They are used as an additional treatment in chronic kidney problems, and in animals that are convalescing or debilitated. Some types of anaemia may be treated with anabolic steroids.

How do I give this medication?

- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

- Try to give this medication at about the same time(s) each day.

- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.

- Try not to miss giving any doses.

- Your veterinarian may administer this medicine to your pet by injection and will advise you as to when your pet needs a repeat injection.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

- Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Tell your veterinarian if you think your pet may be pregnant.

- Your veterinarian may need to monitor your pet's blood to check kidney and liver function.

- The following side effects have been reported: very odorous urine in cats, and increased virilism. Contact your veterinarian if these side effects persist and are troublesome.

- Other side effects may occur. If the pet experiences anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible drug interactions

- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.

- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

- Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. The risk of serious drug interactions is low and should be kept in perspective.

- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.