HIV Wasting:
Nandrolone (Deca Durabolin®)
• Injectable anabolic steroid
• Studied in a 16-week, open-label trial (100 mg IM every 2 weeks)1
• Mean weight gain of 2.24 kg and increase in LBM of 3.0 kg were noted; QOL improved
• 3 other studies (including 1 in women) have also demonstrated increases in weight gain and LBM2-4
• May produce virulizing symptoms in women


1. Gold J et al. AIDS. 1996;10:745-52.
2. Bucher G et al. XI International Conference on AIDS, 1996. Abstract MoB423.
3. Strawford A et al. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Hum Retrovirol. 1999;20:137-46.
4. Mulligan K et al. 8th CROI, Chicago, IL 2001. Abstract 641.



• Various anabolic steroids have also been used for the treatment of HIV-associated wasting. Nandrolone, also called Deca Durabolin®, is an injectable steroid which has been studied in a 16-week, open-label trial at a dose of 100 mg every two weeks.1

• Participants who had lost 5% to 15% of their body weight demonstrated a mean weight gain of 2.24 kg. They also experienced an increase in lean body mass of 3 kg, as well as an improvement in quality of life.

• Three other studies, including one in women, also demonstrated increases in average weight gain and lean body mass.2-4 The use of nandrolone in women may produce virulizing symptoms, such as hoarseness, hirsuitism, and clitoral enlargement, although these remain rare.

References:

1. Gold J, High HA, Li Y et al. Safety and efficacy of nandrolone decanoate for treatment of wasting in patients with HIV infection. AIDS. 1996;10:745-752.

2. Bucher G, Berger DS, Fields-Gardner C et al. A prospective study on the safety and effect of nandrolone decanoate in HIV-positive patients. Program and abstracts of the XI International Conference on AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia; July 7-12, 1996. Abstract MoB423.

3. Strawford A, Barbieri T, Neese R et al. Effects of nandrolone decanoate therapy in borderline hypogonadal men with HIV-associated weight loss. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Hum Retrovirol. 1999;20:137-46.

4. Mulligan K, Zackin R, Clark RA et al. Nandrolone decanoate increases weight and lean body mass in HIV-infected women with weight loss: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Program and abstracts of the 8th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Chicago, IL; February 4-8, 2001. Abstract 641.