Glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in aplastic anemia treated with oxymetholone

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1981 Nov;53(5):905-8.

Glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in aplastic anemia treated with
oxymetholone.

Woodard TL, Burghen GA, Kitabchi AE, Wilimas JA.

Because of a suspected association between the drug oxymetholone and abnormal
glucose metabolism, we determined immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and plasma glucose
during oral glucose tolerance testing in seven patients with aplastic anemia, six
of whom received oxymetholone therapy. All patients receiving oxymetholone
therapy had abnormal glucose and/or IRI values. This finding was independent of
GH, cortisol, and glucagon. In one patient, glucose and IRI levels were normal
before oxymetholone but became abnormally elevated after the use of this drug.
Furthermore, normal glucose and IRI values were present in the single patient not
receiving oxymetholone. Thus, a positive relationship was demonstrated between
oxymetholone administration and the presence of glucose intolerance and insulin
resistance.