Deca Durabolin Injection: Uses and Side Effects

What is Deca Durabolin?

Deca Durabolin 50 mg comprises Nandrolone Decanoate as its primary and active component.

This oily, yellow-coloured solution is classified under a group of drugs known as anabolic steroids.

It is used in the treatment of osteoporosis and anaemia amongst women post-menopause, and other related disorders. 

Is Deca Durabolin an OTC or Prescription Drug?

It is a prescription drug.

Uses of Deca Durabolin

The most common uses of durabolin are:

Post-menopausal osteoporosis

The drug controls the adverse effects of osteoarthritis, a medical condition pertaining to the loss of bone tissue, amongst post-menopausal women. It imparts strength to the bones and improves bone density, thus, minimising the risk of bone fractures.

Anaemia amongst post-menopausal women

The drug is beneficial for preventing certain types of anaemia, especially amongst post-menopausal women who also have renal disorders.

Degenerative disorders

The drug is also prescribed to individuals with medical conditions that negatively affect their source of strength. These conditions related to weakened tissues are usually a result of an injury or prolonged illnesses.

Breast cancer amongst women

This is another severe medical condition that the drug can treat.

Mode of Action of Deca Durabolin

This drug works in a similar way as testosterone, the male sex hormone. Testosterone combined with oestrogen, the female sex hormone, helps in the growth and repair of women’s reproductive tissues, bone mass, red blood cells, and protein. All of this together helps treat post-menopausal osteoporosis and anaemia.

Directions for using Deca Durabolin

The deca injection is taken under the expert supervision of a medical professional. You should not self-administer this medicine at home.

Precautions and Warnings of Deca Durabolin

Below are the precautions to be kept in mind while prescribing and using the drug:

• The deca injection shouldn’t be misused by sportspersons to build tissues as it can lead to adverse side effects.
• The drug is not usually considered to be suitable for children who have not reached puberty.
• This drug may comprise Arachis oil, derived from peanuts. Hence, it should not be prescribed to patients with a known allergy to peanuts or soya.
• It should be prescribed with caution to women as the drug may make female voices very deep and hoarse.
• The drug may cause painful erections and abnormal increase in sexual urges amongst men. Any such symptoms should be reported to the doctor immediately.

Uses of Deca Durabolin in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Deca Durabolin is usually not recommended for women who are pregnant or planning to conceive.

The drug is generally not prescribed to lactating women.

Side Effects of Deca Durabolin

The possible side effects of the drug are:

• Nausea
• Sleeplessness
• Chills 
• Diarrhoea
• Acne
• Difficulties in liver functions
• Sudden, unexpected deepening of the voice
• Raised levels of calcium in the blood

Interactions of Deca Durabolin

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Dexamethasone
• Insulin
• Leflunomide
• Warfarin

Drug-Food Interactions

There are no recognised food interactions of the deca durabolin injection.

Drug-Disease Interactions of Deca Durabolin

Below are the possible contraindications of durabolin.

Allergic reactions

People susceptible to allergic reactions to Nandrolone or any of the other inactive ingredients present in the drug are not advised to take this drug. At times, certain tablets may also include Arachis oil, and therefore, cannot be taken by individuals allergic to soy and peanuts. 

Breast cancer

Women with breast cancer along with hypercalcemia, a medical condition associated with raised levels of calcium in the body. 

Heart failure

Individuals with a high risk of heart failure are generally not recommended this medication to prevent further complications. 

Read More : Symptoms of a Heart Attack in Men vs. Women

Certain kidney disorders

Individuals with nephrosis are usually not prescribed durabolin. 

Liver disorders

People with liver diseases are recommended this drug with much caution. Either doses are carefully adjusted or a suitable substitute is advised.

Diabetes

This drug is generally not prescribed to diabetics as it may reduce the blood sugar level below the acceptable limits. In such cases, the condition of the patient is closely monitored or a suitable substitute is prescribed.

Bleeding disorders

People with medical conditions related to blood should be prescribed this drug after careful deliberation to prevent the risk of blood clotting. 

Oedema

Patients with oedema are also prescribed the drug with caution to prevent the risk of complications.

Dosages of Deca Durabolin

The dosage is given via IV. The dosage ranges from 50 mg to 100 mg at one to four weeks, depending on your condition.

Ensure these dosages are given only by your doctor. Self-administration is strictly prohibited.

What should be done in case of missed dose?

Since the dosage is given through IV by the doctor, he/she will help you with the suitable time and day for a visit. Make sure to be particular about this schedule to avoid missing a dose. In case you cannot make it to the doctor, inform him/her in advance. This way the doctor will be able to guide you on the way forward.

What should be done in case of overdose?

Since your doctor will inject the medicine, he/she should be aware about your medical history and prescriptions. Cases of overdose will be rare in such a situation. Please do not self-administer the dose. However, in case of overdose, seek immediate medical assistance.

Storage and Disposal of Deca Durabolin

The storage instructions for the drug are:

• Store the injection in its original packaging in a cool and dry place that is away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.
• Keep it away from being accessed by kids and pets.
• Do not refrigerate.
• Check the other usage instructions, as mentioned on the package label, before using.
• Read the expiry date printed on the label.

Available Dosage Forms with Strengths of Deca Durabolin

Deca Durabolin is available only in an injection form.

Deca Durabolin Availability Status (Banned or Not)

Deca Durabolin is a legal drug in India.