Hepatic effects of 17 alpha-alkylated anaboli-androgenic steroids.

HIV Hotline. 1998 Dec;8(5-6):2-5.

Hepatic effects of 17 alpha-alkylated anaboli-androgenic steroids.

[No authors listed]

AIDS: Use of 17 alpha-alkylated anabolic-androgenic steroids (17alpha-AAS) has
been connected to hepatotoxicity. These steroids are used clinically to treat
anemia, to prevent weight loss, and to treat wasting syndrome. The most common
types of 17alpha-AAS are Methyltestosterone, Oxandrolone, Oxymetholone and
Stanozolol. Liver disease and the effects of some anti-HIV drugs may contribute
to hepatic dysfunction. Signs of hepatic dysfunction are listed. For those
experiencing jaundice and related malfunctions, discontinuing the drug enables
patients to recover. In many cases those who did not exhibit jaundice may have
developed a tolerance for the drugs. Side effects such as cholestatic jaundice
only occurred in a small number of patients taking the recommended doses of
17alpha-AAS. Peliosis hepatitis, hepatic tumors, and hepatocellular adenomas are
other reported side effects. Proper dosing and monitoring of anabolic steroids
reduces the risk of hepatotoxicity.