Nandrolone
Nandrolone can increase lean tissue. Its joint-pain evidence is much weaker, and pain relief has not been shown to mean joint repair. Decanoate and phenylpropionate are different formulations.
Injectable anabolic-androgenic steroid
- Deca: decanoate
- NPP: phenylpropionate
Are Deca and NPP the same thing?
Both names refer to nandrolone products, but with different esters: Deca generally means decanoate; NPP means phenylpropionate.
The ester and formulation alter release from the injection depot. The decanoate half-life and schedule do not describe phenylpropionate.
Nandrolone esters · route and oil
Human randomized pharmacokinetic study
The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics. PMID 9103484.
A 23-man study found earlier and higher peaks with phenylpropionate than decanoate. Injection volume and site also altered exposure and suppression of testosterone.
The ester name is not the entire formulation. These preparations do not establish the release curve of a vial with a different or unknown formulation.
Read the original sourceDecanoate PK · terminal half-life
Human pharmacokinetic study
The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. PMID 15713722.
In 54 healthy men given single intramuscular decanoate doses, reported terminal half-lives ranged from seven to 12 days. Serum peak timing varied with dose; urinary metabolites could remain detectable much longer.
Urinary detection is not a measure of ongoing clinical effect. The decanoate estimate is not an NPP half-life.
Read the original sourceDoes nandrolone increase muscle or reduce fat?
Human trials support gains in lean tissue, but the results depend on the population. A small bodybuilder study found more fat-free mass and water without significant fat loss.
| Measure | Change with nandrolone |
|---|---|
| Body mass | +2.2 kg |
| Fat-free mass | +2.6 kg |
| Total body water | +1.4 kg |
| Fat mass | No significant change |
16 experienced male bodybuilders were randomized to nandrolone decanoate or placebo.
Bodybuilder trial · mass and water
Randomized placebo-controlled trial
Medicine and science in sports and exercise. PMID 15076791.
In 16 male bodybuilders, eight weeks of nandrolone decanoate increased body mass by 2.2 kg, fat-free mass by 2.6 kg and total body water by 1.4 kg. Fat mass and the hydration fraction of fat-free mass did not significantly change.
- Treatment
- 200 mg weekly in the study.
The compartment measurements support tissue gain with associated water, not a demonstrated fat-loss or cosmetic drying effect.
Read the original sourceIs that 2.6 kg of pure muscle?
No. Fat-free mass includes water and other tissue. The study’s compartment measurements supported muscle gain, but the mass number cannot be treated as isolated muscle protein.
Bodybuilder trial · mass and water
Randomized placebo-controlled trial
Medicine and science in sports and exercise. PMID 15076791.
In 16 male bodybuilders, eight weeks of nandrolone decanoate increased body mass by 2.2 kg, fat-free mass by 2.6 kg and total body water by 1.4 kg. Fat mass and the hydration fraction of fat-free mass did not significantly change.
- Treatment
- 200 mg weekly in the study.
The compartment measurements support tissue gain with associated water, not a demonstrated fat-loss or cosmetic drying effect.
Read the original sourceDoes more lean mass mean more strength or better function?
Not necessarily. The dialysis trial improved lean mass and some walking measures, but grip strength did not improve.
The HIV weight-loss trial also showed lean-mass benefit, alongside increased intracellular water. These are specific medical populations and measured endpoints, not a universal performance estimate.
Dialysis trial · mass and function
Randomized double-blind trial
JAMA. PMID 10208142.
In 29 dialysis patients, six-month lean-mass gains were 4.5 kg with nandrolone and 1.9 kg with placebo. Walking and stair performance met the study's significance threshold; grip strength did not change.
Results in dialysis-related muscle loss cannot be assumed for healthy athletes.
Read the original sourceHIV trial · lean tissue
Randomized trial
The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. PMID 15914526.
In men with HIV-associated weight loss, lean mass increased 1.6 kg with nandrolone versus 0.4 kg with placebo over 12 weeks. Intracellular water also increased.
The nandrolone and placebo arms were blinded; the growth-hormone reference arm was open label. Nonsignificance versus growth hormone is not proof of equivalence.
Read the original sourceCan Deca help joint pain or repair joints?
A small uncontrolled pilot found marked pain improvement in 13 of the 18 men who returned follow-up information. It did not assess cartilage or tendon repair.
Only 18 of 48 men returned follow-up information. They were hypogonadal men receiving testosterone as well as nandrolone. Missing follow-up and the absence of a control group make the result uncertain.
Joint-pain pilot · follow-up limitations
Prospective uncontrolled pilot
Tatem et al. Translational Andrology and Urology, 2020.
Of 48 men completing the initial survey, 18 returned follow-up information. Thirteen of those 18 reported marked pain improvement. Median treatment duration was 62 days.
- Participants / model
- Hypogonadal men with joint pain, treated alongside testosterone.
No randomized control group, substantial missing follow-up and no structural joint-repair endpoint. The results cannot establish cartilage or tendon healing.
Read the original sourceLess pain is not proof that the structure has healed. This study cannot establish that training through an injury becomes safe.
Joint-pain pilot · follow-up limitations
Prospective uncontrolled pilot
Tatem et al. Translational Andrology and Urology, 2020.
Of 48 men completing the initial survey, 18 returned follow-up information. Thirteen of those 18 reported marked pain improvement. Median treatment duration was 62 days.
- Participants / model
- Hypogonadal men with joint pain, treated alongside testosterone.
No randomized control group, substantial missing follow-up and no structural joint-repair endpoint. The results cannot establish cartilage or tendon healing.
Read the original sourceWhich risks matter alongside the joint-pain reports?
Nandrolone can suppress reproductive hormones and cause androgenic effects, fluid retention and adverse liver or lipid changes. Pain relief does not remove those risks.
Nandrolone label · endocrine and organ risks
Historical prescribing information
DailyMed, Watson Laboratories, 2007.
The label describes anemia treatment and warns about gonadal suppression, androgenic changes, edema, lipid and liver effects. Pregnancy is contraindicated; anticoagulants and diabetes medicines can require closer monitoring.
This archived US label is not evidence of current US approval or supply.
Read the original sourceDoes the small lipid trial prove it is heart-safe?
No. The short randomized nandrolone study found no significant change in most measured lipids, but it was not a cardiovascular-outcome trial. The more severe lipid changes in the accompanying mixed-steroid cohort cannot be assigned to nandrolone alone.
Lipid study · single drug versus mixed use
Randomized study and separate observational cohort
British journal of sports medicine. PMID 15155420.
A small eight-week randomized nandrolone arm found no significant change in most measured lipids. A separate nonblinded group self-administering mixed anabolic steroids had substantial adverse lipid changes that persisted after stopping.
The mixed-drug findings cannot be attributed to nandrolone alone; the short randomized result does not prove long-term cardiovascular safety.
Read the original sourceCan it affect testosterone, erections or fertility?
Yes. Nandrolone suppresses the hormone signals supporting the testes. Sexual and reproductive effects are recognized in its clinical and labeling record.
A blood testosterone result, a change of ester or adding another drug does not by itself establish normal sperm production or a safe recovery plan. The pharmacokinetic studies show that suppression depends on exposure and can outlast the early peak.
Nandrolone label · endocrine and organ risks
Historical prescribing information
DailyMed, Watson Laboratories, 2007.
The label describes anemia treatment and warns about gonadal suppression, androgenic changes, edema, lipid and liver effects. Pregnancy is contraindicated; anticoagulants and diabetes medicines can require closer monitoring.
This archived US label is not evidence of current US approval or supply.
Read the original sourceNandrolone esters · route and oil
Human randomized pharmacokinetic study
The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics. PMID 9103484.
A 23-man study found earlier and higher peaks with phenylpropionate than decanoate. Injection volume and site also altered exposure and suppression of testosterone.
The ester name is not the entire formulation. These preparations do not establish the release curve of a vial with a different or unknown formulation.
Read the original sourceWhat does the drug do after leaving the depot?
The ester releases nandrolone, which produces androgenic and anabolic effects. Those effects can increase lean tissue while suppressing gonadal signaling.
Controlled trials measured lean-tissue gain. The joint study measured subjective pain in an uncontrolled pilot and did not assess structural repair.
Nandrolone label · endocrine and organ risks
Historical prescribing information
DailyMed, Watson Laboratories, 2007.
The label describes anemia treatment and warns about gonadal suppression, androgenic changes, edema, lipid and liver effects. Pregnancy is contraindicated; anticoagulants and diabetes medicines can require closer monitoring.
This archived US label is not evidence of current US approval or supply.
Read the original sourceBodybuilder trial · mass and water
Randomized placebo-controlled trial
Medicine and science in sports and exercise. PMID 15076791.
In 16 male bodybuilders, eight weeks of nandrolone decanoate increased body mass by 2.2 kg, fat-free mass by 2.6 kg and total body water by 1.4 kg. Fat mass and the hydration fraction of fat-free mass did not significantly change.
- Treatment
- 200 mg weekly in the study.
The compartment measurements support tissue gain with associated water, not a demonstrated fat-loss or cosmetic drying effect.
Read the original sourceJoint-pain pilot · follow-up limitations
Prospective uncontrolled pilot
Tatem et al. Translational Andrology and Urology, 2020.
Of 48 men completing the initial survey, 18 returned follow-up information. Thirteen of those 18 reported marked pain improvement. Median treatment duration was 62 days.
- Participants / model
- Hypogonadal men with joint pain, treated alongside testosterone.
No randomized control group, substantial missing follow-up and no structural joint-repair endpoint. The results cannot establish cartilage or tendon healing.
Read the original sourceWhat is the measured half-life, and why can detection last longer?
The decanoate study reported a terminal half-life of seven to 12 days after single intramuscular doses. It did not establish that number for NPP.
Urine testing can detect metabolites long after the parent drug’s early concentration peak. Detection time is therefore not a dosing interval, a recovery deadline or proof of continued benefit.
Decanoate PK · terminal half-life
Human pharmacokinetic study
The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. PMID 15713722.
In 54 healthy men given single intramuscular decanoate doses, reported terminal half-lives ranged from seven to 12 days. Serum peak timing varied with dose; urinary metabolites could remain detectable much longer.
Urinary detection is not a measure of ongoing clinical effect. The decanoate estimate is not an NPP half-life.
Read the original sourceWhat does the current regulatory record show?
US Deca-Durabolin approval was withdrawn in 2024. Australia retains a specific nandrolone decanoate registration.
The Australian registration covers one decanoate product, not an underground vial or another ester. The FDA notice says the US approval was withdrawn at the applicant’s request and makes no safety-withdrawal determination.
FDA · Deca-Durabolin withdrawal
Regulatory notice
FDA, Federal Register, November 19, 2024.
The notice includes withdrawal of approval of Deca-Durabolin NDA 013132 at the applicant’s request. It does not establish a safety-or-effectiveness withdrawal determination for the drug.
Read the original sourceTGA · Australian product record
Regulatory product record
TGA ARTG 10655.
TGA lists Deca-Durabolin Orgaject 50 mg/mL nandrolone decanoate with active licence status. This is a specific Australian product registration, not proof of retail availability or of another product’s contents.
Read the original sourceStudies and sources
Bodybuilder trial · mass and water
Randomized placebo-controlled trial
Medicine and science in sports and exercise. PMID 15076791.
In 16 male bodybuilders, eight weeks of nandrolone decanoate increased body mass by 2.2 kg, fat-free mass by 2.6 kg and total body water by 1.4 kg. Fat mass and the hydration fraction of fat-free mass did not significantly change.
- Treatment
- 200 mg weekly in the study.
The compartment measurements support tissue gain with associated water, not a demonstrated fat-loss or cosmetic drying effect.
Read the original sourceHIV trial · lean tissue
Randomized trial
The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. PMID 15914526.
In men with HIV-associated weight loss, lean mass increased 1.6 kg with nandrolone versus 0.4 kg with placebo over 12 weeks. Intracellular water also increased.
The nandrolone and placebo arms were blinded; the growth-hormone reference arm was open label. Nonsignificance versus growth hormone is not proof of equivalence.
Read the original sourceDialysis trial · mass and function
Randomized double-blind trial
JAMA. PMID 10208142.
In 29 dialysis patients, six-month lean-mass gains were 4.5 kg with nandrolone and 1.9 kg with placebo. Walking and stair performance met the study's significance threshold; grip strength did not change.
Results in dialysis-related muscle loss cannot be assumed for healthy athletes.
Read the original sourceJoint-pain pilot · follow-up limitations
Prospective uncontrolled pilot
Tatem et al. Translational Andrology and Urology, 2020.
Of 48 men completing the initial survey, 18 returned follow-up information. Thirteen of those 18 reported marked pain improvement. Median treatment duration was 62 days.
- Participants / model
- Hypogonadal men with joint pain, treated alongside testosterone.
No randomized control group, substantial missing follow-up and no structural joint-repair endpoint. The results cannot establish cartilage or tendon healing.
Read the original sourceNandrolone esters · route and oil
Human randomized pharmacokinetic study
The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics. PMID 9103484.
A 23-man study found earlier and higher peaks with phenylpropionate than decanoate. Injection volume and site also altered exposure and suppression of testosterone.
The ester name is not the entire formulation. These preparations do not establish the release curve of a vial with a different or unknown formulation.
Read the original sourceDecanoate PK · terminal half-life
Human pharmacokinetic study
The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. PMID 15713722.
In 54 healthy men given single intramuscular decanoate doses, reported terminal half-lives ranged from seven to 12 days. Serum peak timing varied with dose; urinary metabolites could remain detectable much longer.
Urinary detection is not a measure of ongoing clinical effect. The decanoate estimate is not an NPP half-life.
Read the original sourceLipid study · single drug versus mixed use
Randomized study and separate observational cohort
British journal of sports medicine. PMID 15155420.
A small eight-week randomized nandrolone arm found no significant change in most measured lipids. A separate nonblinded group self-administering mixed anabolic steroids had substantial adverse lipid changes that persisted after stopping.
The mixed-drug findings cannot be attributed to nandrolone alone; the short randomized result does not prove long-term cardiovascular safety.
Read the original sourceNandrolone label · endocrine and organ risks
Historical prescribing information
DailyMed, Watson Laboratories, 2007.
The label describes anemia treatment and warns about gonadal suppression, androgenic changes, edema, lipid and liver effects. Pregnancy is contraindicated; anticoagulants and diabetes medicines can require closer monitoring.
This archived US label is not evidence of current US approval or supply.
Read the original sourceFDA · Deca-Durabolin withdrawal
Regulatory notice
FDA, Federal Register, November 19, 2024.
The notice includes withdrawal of approval of Deca-Durabolin NDA 013132 at the applicant’s request. It does not establish a safety-or-effectiveness withdrawal determination for the drug.
Read the original sourceTGA · Australian product record
Regulatory product record
TGA ARTG 10655.
TGA lists Deca-Durabolin Orgaject 50 mg/mL nandrolone decanoate with active licence status. This is a specific Australian product registration, not proof of retail availability or of another product’s contents.
Read the original sourceWhy is Nandrolone in A tier?
A tier comes from controlled human lean-tissue results and measured pharmacokinetics. The bodybuilder study found no significant fat loss; the cited studies do not establish structural joint repair or long-term safety in performance use.