Nandrolone decanoate, sold under the brand name Deca Durabolin, among others, is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication which is used primarily in the treatment of anemias and wasting syndromes, as well as osteoporosis in menopausal women. It is generally given by injection into muscle or fat.
Nandrolone is chemically related to the male hormone. Compared to testosterone, it has an enhanced anabolic and a reduced androgenic activity. Nandrolon decanoate has been shown to positively influence calcium metabolism and to increase bone mass in osteoporosis. In women with disseminated mammary carcinoma, nandrolone decanoate has been reported to produce objective regressions for many months. Furthermore, nandrolone has nitrogen-saving action. This effect on protein metabolism has been established by metabolic studies and is utilized therapeutically in conditions where a protein deficiency exists eg, during chronic debilitating diseases and after major surgery and severe trauma. In these conditions, nandrolone serves as a supportive adjunct to specific therapies and dietary measures as well as parenteral nutrition. Androgenic effects (eg, virilisation) are relatively uncommon at the recommended dosages. Nandrolone lacks the C-17α-alkyl group which is associated with the occurrence of liver dysfunction and cholestasis.
Side effects of nandrolone decanoate may include symptoms of masculinization like acne, increased hair growth, voice changes, and decreased sexual desire due to its ability to suppress endogenous testosterone synthesis while not being a sufficient androgen itself. The medication is a synthetic androgen and anabolic steroid and hence is an agonist of the androgen receptor (AR), the biological target of androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It has strong anabolic effects and weak androgenic effects, which give it a mild side effect profile and make it especially suitable for use in women and children. Nandrolone decanoate is a nandrolone ester and a long-lasting prodrug of nandrolone in the body.
In addition to its medical use, nandrolone decanoate is used to improve physique and performance, and is said to be the most widely used AAS for such purposes. The drug is a controlled substance in many countries and so non-medical use is generally illicit.
Nandrolone decanoate has an absorption half life of 6 days and an elimination half life of 4.3 hours. Alternate studies have shown that nandrolone decanoate has a terminal half life of 7, 11.7, and 11.8 hours for doses of 50, 100, and 150 mg respectively.
