Profiles

A-C

Aldactone

Aldactone is a diuretic and belongs to the subgroup of potassium-sparing diuretics. Aldactone is an aldosterone antagonist. It influences the body's own hormone, aldosterone, which accelerates the excretion of potassium and reduces the excretion of sodium and water Simplified; aldosterone regulates the endogenous water household. The higher the aldosterone level, the more water is stored in the body. The use of Aldactone results in a significant reduction in the aldosterone level so that an increased excretion of sodium and water occurs while, at the same time, potassium is reabsorbed. This also explains why Aldactone is called a potassium-sparing diuretic since it does not cause a loss of potassium like thiazides and furosemides.

Athletes must strictly observe that during the use of Aldactone no additional potassium is taken since this would cause a life-threatening increase in the serum potassium level. Potassium sparing diuretics have relatively low diuretic effects so that Aldactone can be called a mild diuretic. It is interesting to note that Aldactone is also an antiandrogen since it reduces the androgen level. Female athletes take advantage of this characteristic by using it to minimize the virilization symptoms during steroid treatment or the symptoms after treatment. For this purpose Aldactone is normally taken daily for 10 to 14 days, usually in a dose of 50 mg/day. In men this could cause problems since the relationship of the androgen level to the estrogen level changes in favor of the latter Thus, common side effects in men include pain in the nipples and breast swelling (gynecomastia).

Bodybuilders use Aldactone almost exclusively during the last week before a competition. Since this causes neither a dramatic nor an immediately noticeable draining effect, it is usually taken over 5-6 days in a dosage of 2 tablets of 50 mg daily. Aldactone should not be used to expediently drain water at the last minute. Both male and female athletes take it. The side effects of potassium-saving diuretics are relatively low compared to thiazides and furosemides. The main problems in men consist of gynecomastia and possible impotence. Other side effects can be low blood pressure, muscle spasms, dizziness, gastrointestinal pain, vomiting, irregular pulse rate, and fatigue. It is important to note that there is Ii', significant increase in the serum potassium level (see above).

Aldactone is a prescription drug available in American pharmacies. Aldactone by Hoehringer Mannheim of Germany is often found on be black market. A package contains 50 degrees of 50 mg each and costs approx. $30. On the black market. The Mexican Aldactone by Searle can also frequently be found on the black market. The 25-mg tablets are of light-brown color; indented, and have a SEARLE imprint. The original package contains three strips, each with 10 tab-lets. There are currently no Aldactone fakes available.

Anadrol

Anadrol was the U.S. brand name for 50mg Oxymetholone tablets, which were available in the U.S. until 1993. Syntex is the world producer of this drug, and markets it under a few different brand names in other areas. Oxymetholone is a 17alpha alkylated oral steroid. Second to none, this product is generally considered the most powerful steroid available. Anadrol will produce extremely dramatic weight and strength gains in its user. Some of this weight and strength gain will be due to the drugs heavy water retention. Users of Anadrol report severe crashes when stopping usage, mostly due to the loss of water and inhibited endogenous hormone production brought about during the cycle. Aside from the water, Anadrol will pack on the mass like no other steroid. A short cycle of Anadrol could account for a gain of over 20lbs in many users, sometimes more. As this drugs anabolic properties are so extreme, so are it's androgenic side effects. Due to the strength of these side effects, Anadrol should never be used by women. For starters, oxymetholone will easily convert to estrogen and DHT. As stated earlier water retention will be present, along with an increase in blood pressure. Kidney functions may also need to be looked after during longer use. Hair loss has also been reported among users with a predisposition for male-pattern baldness. The most dangerous attribute of Anadrol is that is it 17alpha alkylated. As you probably know 17aa orals are toxic to the liver. Unlike Dianabol (another popular 17aa oral) which is effective in doses of as little as 15mg, Anadrol users generally start with 50mg/day and often lead up to 150mg/day. So when a user takes 3 Anadrol tablets, his liver is processing roughly the equivalent of 30 Dianabol tablets. This obviously is quite a lot of 17aa steroid for your liver to process, so it is pertinent a user has his liver enzymes checked regularly with a doctor. When you hear of horror stories involving liver cancer from steroid use, Anadrol is most often the culprit. For medical treatment, Syntex recommends 1-5mg/kg of bodyweight per day. This leads many patients to take as many as 8+ tabs per day, for extended periods of time. This is much more than an athlete would need and should be using, which may be why documented cases of liver cancer seem more prominent among non-athletes taking Anadrol medically. Lately, many people are speculating on how long this product will be available worldwide. Syntex has stopped production of Anadrol in the U.S., Oxitosona in Spain and medical use in other areas of the world seems to be declining due to the advent of newer drugs to treat conditions in which Anadrol was formerly used.

Aside from the Mexican version, all other forms of Anadrol are now being counterfeited, often with incredible accuracy. In the U.S., a version of the now unavailable American Anadrol has been found in which box, bottle and even the stamping of the tablet are identical to the real version. The only seen difference is the lack of active ingredient. Since real U.S. Anadrol has been out of production for some time, it would be safe to say anything labeled Anadrol is fake. Anapolon is copied as well with good accuracy. Oxitosona was/is counterfeited but since Syntex dropped its production in 1993, all forms should be considered fake. Hemogenin from Brazil is another popular version, which makes its way to the states and is also counterfeited. Currently, all the loose red Anadrols from Mexico (Stamped with SYNTEX on one side and 2902 on the other) which are circulating the states should be considered real. They are available only to clinics and hospitals in Mexico, so black market supplies are limited. Reports are that they may also be slightly underdosed.

Anavar

(oxandrolone) 2.5mg tab 100/bottle Also under the name Lipo-Dex and Nilavar.

Anavar is manufactured by searle lavatories under the brand name, and by spa labs under the generic name Oxandrolone. The brand name drug is made under a certain number of loss per year. This if it sells out before the end of the year, the product just disappears. Searle does not make more until the next term. This keeps the price of anavar high, and availability low. Anavar is typically prescribed on a 2 - tablet, twice daily routine. The drug is better absorbed when taken right after meals. Woman have started with one tablet twice daily. This is thought to be the optimal dose for woman. The drug can be used in combination with other steroids for optimum results after a plateau is reached on the anavar alone. If some size is required, but no injection is desired, dianabol or anadrol can be combined with the anavar. Here the user would add 1 dianabol tab twice daily or a half anadrol twice daily. Later, and for greater size, going to 4 dianabol tabs, or to anadrol per day has worked well . for greater gains the user would add an injectable steroid to the cycle instead of the previously mentioned orals. The injection would vary from deca for cutting, to testosterone for weight and strength gains. Research shows that anavar is the one anabolic steroid least likely to cause any side effects . there are very rarely reports of ill effects of any kind using anavar . there is seldom any fluid gains with this drug, which makes it the drug of choice with potential blood pressure problem uses . anavar is also good trade for persons who need to keep their weight down, either for cutting or like a powerlifter who needs to make weight . Thus you will see a number of bodybuilders using anavar the last two months before competing. Some powerlifters claim that this steroid is No. 1 for gaining strength without water weight. The use of the low androgenic product is quite popular with women. Very little masculinisation in any form have been seen among woman who have used this trade at a dose of 5 mg daily. Most women start out on 1 tablet per day and go up to three tablets daily. The dosage of 5 mg of anavar per day has worked out to be the optimum. The first signs of virilisaton could include persistent hoarseness, deepening of the women's voice, acne, decreased libido, and/or clitoral enlargement. If any of these symptoms should show, the woman should get of the trade immediately. Anavar will not aromatize. This means of course it's one of the very few anabolic steroids that will not convert to estrogen at any dosage. This means it will not cause that soft look to the muscles or will it lead to the development of breast tissue in men. Some persons will convert much more of a steroid to estrogen than others. These people can use a dosage starting with 2 tabs twice daily, and reaching a maximum dose of .1 MG of the add per pound of body weight. Often the user plateaus on the drug alone, he might add a small dose of deca that would not aggravate any existing gynecomastia. Or a daily dose of 10 MG of halotestin could be added to the anavar cycle to increase strength and hardness, while having no aromatize in effect. Anavar is a multi-purpose steroid. Its very low toxicity makes it safe to take, even on lower cycles. It is advised that a high protein diet be maintained while taking anavar to insure its effectiveness. It is been counterfeit under the Spa label. Watch for the Searle liable to be safe.

Andriol

(Androxon, Undestor, Restandol)

Introduction

There are two issues in relation to Andriol. First, there exists a mythology that Andriol is totally useless. Second, many who purchase Andriol have been grossly misled. This article debunks the myth and offers some solace to the misled. Many condemn Andriol through lack of knowledge without considering that, since WAR and others, including the medical community in most countries, regard Andriol as effective, then perhaps it has its uses. This misguided condemnation leads those who should be considering Andriol to ignore it. On the other hand, the over-enthusiastic words of some writers in respect of Andriol have misled many novice Body Builders (BB) to purchase Andriol when in fact it is unlikely to be the most appropriate Anabolic Steroid (AS) for them. Unthinking condemnation is particularly unwarranted given that the principal agent in the ever popular Sustanon 250 (ie 100mg testosterone decanoate) is chemically identical to the Testosterone Undecanoate (TU) in Andriol. Indeed, chemically and mathematically, 1 bottle of Andriol is equivalent to 24 Sustanon, but in practical application and effectiveness they are poles apart. However, there are a variety of problems associated with the use of Andriol, not least of which is the fact that many capsules purchased by BB are probably inert by the time they are purchased. The problems associated with Andriol and its potential for use by BB are examined below.

Description

Andriol (also know as Restandol, Undestor, Virigen, Androxon and Panteston) is an oral testosterone androgen compound whose prime agent is testosterone undecanoate (TU). Andriol is supplied, by its sole manufacturer Organon, as an oval, reddish-brown, soft gelatine capsule, marked "ORG" and "D3V", containing 40mg of TU in oleic acid. The capsule's non-medicinal ingredients are: gelatine, glycerol, iron oxide red (E172), karion 83, sodium ethyl hydroxybenzoate, sodium propyl hydroxybenzoate and titanium dioxide. Andriol is supplied in of bottles of 28, 56, 60 and 100 capsules dependent upon country of manufacture. It is also supplied in foil strips in Brazil and Thailand.

Pharmacology (per Rxmed)

Testosterone Undecanoate, an orally active testosterone preparation, is a fatty acid ester of the natural androgen testosterone. Unlike other oral testosterone preparations, TU is able to by-pass the liver via the lymphatic system and is therefore orally bioavailable. Therapy with Andriol increases plasma levels of testosterone and its active metabolites, leading to a regular therapeutic effect. In eugonadal men, peak testosterone levels are reached in approximately 4 to 5 hours after ingestion returning to basal levels after about 10 hours. In volunteers and hypogonadal (ie. low natural testosterone) men, 77 to 93% of an orally administered dose of TU was excreted in the urine and faeces within 3 to 4 days.

Storage is Critical

It is probably true to say that some of the Andriol available on the Black Market is useless and serves no purpose other than as a laxative. The reason is that, unless refrigerated, Andriol will become inert after 3 months storage at room temperature (ie up to 30 degrees C). Indeed, some claim that, at room temperature, it will become inert after 2 months. Prolonged storage at higher than room temperatures will clearly shorten this period. Exposure to high temperatures will also cause the capsules to become misshapen and even to melt. The capsules should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2 - 8 degrees C. Ideally, the bottle of capsules should be removed from the refrigerator about 24 hrs before use, and once in use, the bottle should not be returned to the refrigerator ie it should only be ingested when fully thawed out.

The Problem

The problem with Andriol is that it is very idiosyncratic. It does nothing for some, but for others it works for a variety of purposes. This idiosyncratic feature reflects both Andriol's delivery method and the nature of individual metabolisms. Research has shown that, for some people, only 3% - 4% of the Andriol ingested survives to perform a useful function - for others the percentage is higher, but never 100%. It is possible that, for most people, less than 10% of the TU ingested survives to become bioavailable. Another problem associated with Andriol has been outlined by Dan Duchaine, who has suggested that, of the small percentage of Andriol that survives its journey through the gut to reach the lymphatic system, 70% is converted into DHT. The potential ramifications of DHT in the context of hair loss and prostate are well known to all BB. However, the amount of DHT arising from normal doses of Andriol is unlikely to be significant, given the small percentage that survives ingestion. Nevertheless this may account for the anecdotal, but unsubstantiated, claims of Andriol encouraging male-pattern baldness. Even for those for whom Andriol does work, it takes trial and error over time to establish a viable dose amount & schedule. This dosage methodology is time consuming and expensive, and although feasible in the medical environment, it is less so in BB. The variability of Andriol's effectiveness partly explains why 'Animal' on Varix states that Andriol works and points to the overwhelming medical research supporting it, while Human..saurus-rex on Anabolex says to forget the medical evidence and that it does not work for BB. Both are correct: statistically, medically, chemically, scientifically, etc, Andriol does work, but often not in a manner that is useful for young, healthy BB.

Its Strong Points

Andriol's real strong point is in medical applications. For instance, the efficacy of Andriol for use in androgen replacement has been established in so many studies that it is beyond dispute. Similarly Andriol's lack of toxicity and safety in long term use (up to 10 yrs) has also been clearly established.

Andriol is perhaps best suited for those BB who:

1. have a definite medical need e.g. liver function problems, depression, thyroid problems, low natural testosterone, other hormonal imbalances, osteoporosis; infertility or

2. are aged over (say) 35 and thus have declining natural testosterone levels. There are those who advocate that the majority of men over 40 should adopt a regular androgen supplementation regime using a mild form of testosterone such as Andriol; and possibly for

3. 'hobby' BB who are more concerned with extreme safety and are less concerned with quick results and expense.

Except for the above, Andriol is simply not cost-effective relative to the other relatively safe options available e.g. primobolan-depot.

There does appear to be a correlation between Andriol's anecdotal effectiveness and age - older BB consider it more useful than younger BB. This reflects the natural age-related decline in testosterone. This decline is, at its extreme, represented by the medical condition of hypogonadism, for which one of the popular treatments outside the USA is Andriol. For age-related male testosterone deficiency which has not fallen to the level of hypogonadism, namely the "viropause" or "andropause", again Andriol, or alternatively the testosterone patch, is the treatment of choice of endocrinologists in many countries. In this area of low normal and sub-normal natural testosterone levels, Andriol is especially useful for the older BB.

Testosterone Undecanoate in injectable form, although not generally available, is far less idiosyncratic than the capsules. Indeed there is strong evidence to show that injected TU is far superior to, for example, testosterone enanthate. TU cream also has its uses, for example, it has been shown to stimulate the growth of female pubic hair. It has also been shown Andriol, taken in conjunction with Nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate) can significantly improve male fertility.
One of the most interesting things about TU (in either form) is that it causes a significant decrease in the level of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) which for most males (incl. BB) is to the good. For example, in one well-known study SHBG was reduced from 73.9 nmol/L to 35.1 at 3 months and to 29.2 at 6 months. Since SHBG interferes with the bioavailability of testosterone (ie it reduces "free T") and, perhaps, other steroids, this leads to the speculation that perhaps TU could be used in combination with other more anabolic steroids as a synergist. It is debatable whether Andriol is a useful general treatment in relation to AIDS, but this reflects the multi-faceted nature of AIDS rather an adverse comment on Andriol. There are some indications that Andriol may be useful in assisting to normalise the testosterone levels of AIDS sufferers. Current medical guidelines for the normalisation of serum testosterone in HIV suffers recommends 3 - 4 capsules (ie 120 - 160mg) per day as an alternative to treatment with 200 - 400mg of testosterone enanthate every 4 weeks.

How To Use It If You're Stuck With It

The foregoing does not assist the typical healthy BB who might already have purchased Andriol. In such a situation, 5 options appear open:

1. Use for Depression

Depression is an area where the average BB might find Andriol useful. It has been shown from the work done on hypogonadal men that (subject to dose) Andriol relieves, and indeed can eliminate, the depression induced by low serum T levels. Given that many BB suffer, among other things, from depression and low natural testosterone level when coming off a heavy AS cycle, Andriol could have a role as a heavy cycle taper. There are also indications that Andriol relieves depression in males with normal testosterone levels. Of course, Andriol is an expensive anti-depressant; St. John's Wort works for many just as well and is cheaper.

2. Use for Taper

Even those who do not suffer from cycle termination depression would find Andriol an effective, but expensive, taper. For example, taper out of Sustanon with primobo-depot and Andriol; reducing the primobo-d at a rate such that the final taper element is low Andriol at low dosage.

3. Use for Bridge

Another use for Andriol is as a 'bridge' between cycles. In this respect it is perhaps more useful than 50mg deca-durabolin, and certainly safer than testosterone enanthate. However, in a bridging role Andriol (in common with other AS) will not allow the recovery of the natural testosterone production nor allow receptor recovery if taken at high doses.

4. Use for Stack

Andriol can also be used as part of a stack of, for example, deca-durabolin + primobo-depot and/or Anavar. But in such cases Andriol should be viewed as a supplement to, and not as the backbone of, the stack. Here one would be seeking to benefit from the SHBG suppression and synergistic effects referred to above. Andriol can be stacked with any AS. WAR for example suggests: Oxandrolone (p40, 225), deca-durabolin (p41, 84), oral-turinabol (p217), and primobolan-depot (p240).

5. Use for Pre-Training

It is also suggested by some that Andriol should be used as a pre-training supplement and, although there is no consensus as to dose, it is often suggested that the Andriol be taken 1 hour before a workout. There is no clear evidence to support Andriol's role in this regard. Given the nature of Andriol, it is doubtful whether ingestion one hour prior to training would serve any useful purpose.

More Effective Application?

Various suggestions have been made as to how Andriol might be more effectively applied. These include (a) extracting the TU from the capsule and injecting it, (b) extracting the content of the capsules and applying it topically with the aid of DMSO, (c) extracting the content of the capsules and taking it in conjunction with Vitamin E, (d) taking it with Saw Palmetto or Proscar, and (e) taking it with grapefruit juice. There is no evidence to show that any of these methods increases the effectiveness of Andriol, but methods (d) and (e) do have some logic to support them and may do some good. Indeed for those BB concerned about their prostate and/or potential hair loss, it is sensible to supplement any AS cycle (Andriol or other) with Saw Palmetto. The proven benefits of Saw Palmetto, especially for the older BB, far outweigh the alleged marginal loss of 'gains' that might arise from its use.

Cost

The current mail-order cost of Andriol from Europe varies from $20 - $50 for 60 capsules. The pharmacy price of Andriol in Europe varies from $14 for 60 capsules to $42 for 56 capsules. Andriol is not currently available from pharmacies in the US.

Cautions

Although, Andriol is generally considered an almost benign AS at low to moderate doses, caution is necessary when taking it at high doses. Given the very idiosyncratic nature of Andriol, it is impossible to be precise as to what dose constitutes "high". WAR implies that high is in the area of 240 - 280 mg/day (ie 6 - 7 capsules/day). At high doses, particularly if sustained for an extended period, the normal BB using Andriol will be exposed to the usual risks associated with AS including suppression of the HPT axis, excess estrogen problems, skin changes, hair loss, prostate problems, etc.

The effectiveness of Andriol may be decreased even further than outlined above, when some medicines are taken in conjunction with it. The manufacturers specify the following in this regard: antibiotics such as rifampicin and anti-epileptic drugs such as barbitrates, carbamazepine, dichloralphenazone, phenylbutazone, phenytoin and primidone. Andriol will also potentiate the effects of any anti-coagulants.

Those with allergies should know that Andriol contains a form of sorbitol concentrate.

Anyone contemplating the use of Andriol should read the excellent WAR section relating to it, and should also consult the Rxmed website.

Conclusion

Andriol is a useful AS for the cautious BB, the older BB, and the BB with medical problems. For the average BB it is not cost effective, but if needs must, it can also be utilised in an effective manner. It is perhaps appropriate to point out that all BB will at some point in their lives be older and/or cautious and/or medically challenged. Thus all BB can, at some point in their lives, utilise Andriol effectively.

Arimidex

Anastrozole [Oral]
Brand Names: Arimidex

Pronunciation: a-NAS-tro-zol
Drug class: Antineoplastic Agent
Generic available? No
Controlled substance? No

Oral anastrozole belongs to a class of antineoplastic drugs called aromatase inhibitors. It is used as a second phase treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It works by decreasing estrogen levels in the body.

FDA Approved Uses
? Treatment of advanced breast cancer in post-menopausal women with disease progression following tamoxifen therapy.
Contraindications

Any of the following may be reason to choose a different drug. Inform your doctor before starting therapy.
? Hypersensitivity to anastrozole

Dosage and Administration

Dosages may require modification to adjust for individual sensitivities and associated medical conditions.

Adults Under 60
1 mg taken by mouth once per day.

Adults 60 and Over
Follow the adult dosage, unless directed otherwise by your physician.

Maximum Dosage Recommendations
Do not exceed the recommended doses, unless deemed necessary by your doctor.

If You Miss a Dose
Take as soon as possible. If close to the next dose, skip and take the next dose. Do not double the dose.

Storage

Keep all medications out of the reach of children

Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature in a dry, dark place. Do not store in the bathroom. Moisture can cause the drug to break down.

You may experience the following side effects with the use of this drug:

Common Symptoms
? Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
? Dizziness
? Diarrhea
? Nausea or vomiting
? Headache
? Hot flashes
? Weakness
? Cough
? Dry mouth
? Skin rash
? Sweating
? Abdominal pain
? Bone pain
Less Common to Rare Symptoms
? Vaginal bleeding
? Weight gain
? Tiredness or weakness
? Cough or sore throat
? Muscle or joint pain
? Fever or chills
? Dizziness
? Breast pain
? Itching
Life-threatening Symptoms
? None expected
What to Do in Case of Overdose

Dial 911 for emergency help or call your poison control center.

Prolonged Use
No problems are expected, providing you are not pregnant when you start therapy, and do not become pregnant during therapy.

Discontinuing Therapy
Do not discontinue without your physician's consent

Clenbuterol

This drug is classified as a beta-2 adrenergic agonist. Clenbuterol is a bronchiodilator.This drug is banned by the FDA although it is used outside the US by asthma patients.The reason although it is fairly anabolic, and it promotes the burning of fatty acids through brown fat burning. Clenbuterol is a little scary because of some other side effects including the following: tremors, sweating, sleeplessness, rapid heartbeat, etc. These side effects vary in people. Some people aren`t affected at all. This drug comes in tablets of 20 mcg (micrograms not milligrams ). Dosages are normally between 20-120 mcg for bodybuilders that use this. It should be taken in a 2 days on /2days off fashion because this drug becomes ineffective for its anabolic properties after 18 successive days of use. The receptor sites seem to be non-responsive for anabolic purposes if taken continuously, but brown fat-burning will continue past the 18 day period. It shouldn`t be used this way for more than 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the drug should be discontinued for a couple of months.

Cheque Drops

Cheque drops are a veterinarian steroid made by Upjohn that is designed to keep female dogs from going into heat. It comes 100 mcg per cc, 55-cc bottle. It is the most toxic androgenic steroid available. It is even more toxic than say Finajet or Anadrol 50. Boxers and Powerlifters use it to increase aggression and strength prior to training or competition. It has been rumored that this is what caused the infamous "ear-biting' incident that occurred when Evander Holyfield last fought Mike Tyson. Users report many side effects and little gains when using Cheque Drops. It was very popular about 10 years ago but has since faded away. It is very hard to obtain and is not sought by many athletes. The drug itself is a sublingual liquid that is dropped under the tongue and gets in the system within a matter of minutes. The athletes that were using this item would only take it prior to a competition or prior to workouts and would not use it any longer than two weeks at a time.

Clenbuterol

This is a very interesting drug, which has recently become popular amongst bodybuilders.

Clenbuterol itself, is a third generation beta agonist. Clenbuterol's use as a bodybuilding drug item from a number of medical reviews which have cited its outstanding potential to promote muscle gains as well as fat loss. It has been used in parts of England for several years by a limited number of elite athletes. More recently, due to the steroid crackdown, there have been an increasing number of American bodybuilders that are experimenting with this drug. Clenbuterol is indeed the most intriguing ergogenic aid I have studied with the sole exception of anabolic steroids.

Many athletes who use Clenbuterol claim that it promotes dramatic strength increases and a very noticeable reduction in body fat some athletes claim that they enjoyed significant gains in muscle mass while using Clenbuterol. Clenbuterol's most valid application seems to be as a pre-contest, cutting drug. It is not banned by any athletic committee; thus, numerous professional bodybuilders have used it for the last month of contest preparation. Athletes have used between 60-120 mcgs taken in divided doses daily. Because it causes a great deal of receptor downgrade it should not be used continually. Research shows that using it for two days, then taking two days off prevents attenuation. Cycles range from 6-12 weeks in length. Side effects include nervousness, tremors of the hands, headaches, and insomnia. Usually these side effects are dose related. It comes in 20 mcg tablets. Clenbuterol is being counterfeited under numerous manufacturer names in the United States.

Clomid

Clomid is a brand name for the drug clomiphene citrate. It is typically prescribed for women to aid in ovulation. In men, the application of Clomid causes an elevation of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. As a result, natural testosterone production is also increased. This effect is obviously beneficial to the athlete, especially at the conclusion of a cycle when endogenous testosterone levels are subnormal. When an athlete discontinues the use of steroids, his testosterone levels will most likely be suppressed. If endogenous testosterone levels are not brought to normal, a dramatic loss in size and strength may occur. Clomid plays a crucial role in preventing this crash in athletic performance. Bodybuilders find that a daily intake of 50-100 mg of clomiphene citrate over a two week period will bring endogenous testosterone production back to an acceptable level. Clomid will gradually raise testosterone levels over its period of intake. Since an immediate boost in testosterone is often desirable, athlete will commonly use HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) for a couple of weeks, and the continue treatment with Clomid. Clomid is also effective as an anti-estrogen. Most athletes will suffer from an elevated estrogen level at the conclusion of a cycle. A high estrogen level combined with a low testosterone level puts an athlete in serious risk of developing gynocomastia. With the intake of Clomid, the athlete gets the dual effect of blocking out some of the effects of estrogen, while also increasing endogenous testosterone production. In relation to toxicity and side effects, Clomid is considered a fairly safe drug. Bodybuilders seldom experience any problems, but possible side effects include hot flashes and temporary blurred vision. Clomiphene citrate is widely available on the black market. Until recently, it was relatively easy to get through foreign mail order. However, since the DEA is playing an active role in pursuing mail-order operations catering to athletes, Clomid is becoming harder to obtain. Current prices are between $2-$4 per 50 mg tab. Generics such as Clomiphene citrate by Anfarm in Greece are frequently seen on the black market and can be purchased for about $1 a tablet.

Cyclofenil

Cyclofenil is another non-steroidal ancillary drug used by athletes, similar to HCG and Clomid in action. This drug is most commonly used to increase endogenous testosterone levels after a cycle in an attempt to avoid a hard crash while waiting for your hormone levels to naturally balance. Similar to HCG and Clomid, cyclofenil seems to quickly and effectively raise natural levels. Anecdotally however, cyclofenil does has the reputation of being the weaker of the three. Like Clomid, cyclofenil may also act as an anti-estrogen, binding to estrogen receptor sites and blocking out other estrogens. This is especially helpful when natural testosterone levels are suppressed and an excess of estrogen may be present upon steroid termination. It should also be noted that some athletes have experimented with using cyclofenil not as a post-cycle ancillary drug, but alone and solely for it's anabolic properties. However, anyone familiar with anabolics would likely be disappointed with the results cyclofenil would bring, as it is not an extremely strong product, and certainly would not work as well as anabolics. Here in the U.S., Fertodur from Mexico is probably the most commonly imported cyclofenil product although it is produced in many other countries. Currently, fakes should not be a problem with this product.

Cytadren

Cytadren, the U.S. brand name for the drug aminoglutethimide, is an interesting drug (non-steroid), first brought to our attention a few years ago by Dan Duchaine. It is most popular among competitive athletes who are drug tested, as this substance is currently not banned or tested for. Cytadren inhibits the production of androgens, estrogens and cortisone (and related) in the body. Medically, this drug is used to treat Cushing's syndrome, an condition in which the body overproduces cortisone. For athletes with normal blood levels, a little less cortisone could still be a good thing. While androgens give your muscle cells a message to increase protein synthesis, cortisone gives the exact opposite message, to breakdown amino acids. Since Cytadren also inhibits androgen production, it is always used by athletes with some form of testosterone. Together with even a relatively small dose, one could shift the ratio of anabolic to catabolic hormones in favor of the former. Cytadren also effectively inhibits estrogen production and androgen to estrogen conversion. Research is bare as to the best way for athletes to administer Cytadren, but anecdotal evidence suggests that a schedule of 2 days on and 2 days off is effective. One thing is for certain, when used by healthy individuals as an anti-catabolic, Cytadren cannot be taken daily. After a short period of regular use, your body will react to the lowered cortisone levels and release increased amounts of another hormone, ACTH, in response. Increased ACTH will result in your body resuming cortisone production, basically making Cytadren useless. When used medically though, a moderate amount of hydrocortisone is supplemented to avoid this reaction. For athletes however, this would probably be a counterproductive practice. Thus the 2 day on 2 day off regime has been implemented in an attempt to delay or avoid this response. As for the daily dosage, athletes have experimented with anywhere from 1/2 a tablet to 3 tablets per day (250mg), 1 or 2 being most common.
Cytadren is not without it's side effects and warnings which are numerous.To be very succinct, these include, but are not limited to, the possibility of fatigue, dizziness, sleep disorder, apathy, depression, nausea/vomiting, stomach upset, thyroid dysfunction and liver disease. Athletes also report that the reduced cortisone often brings about more aches in your joints and an increased susceptibility to injury. Currently Cytadren is expensive, around $2 a tab, which is probably why it's use has not become more wide spread.

Cytomel

Known Name Brands: Cynomel, Cyronine, Cytomel, Cytomel Tabs, Euthroid,
Linomel, Liothyronin, Neo-Tiroimade, Ro-Thyronine, T3, Tertroxin, Thybon,-forte
Thyrotardin, Ti-Tre, Tiromel, Tironina, Trijodthyronin, Trijod.Sanabo,
Trijodthyr.50, Trijodthyr.Leo.

This product usually comes in bottles of 100 tablets at 25 mcgs each. It is available in a variety of doses though ranging from 5 - 100 mcgs. per tablet. Cytomel is a synthetic thyroid hormone (Type T-3). There are two main types of synthetic thyroid hormones that are available being this and Synthroid (T-4). This product is regarded as the stronger of the two products (it is 4-5 times stronger than Synthroid). This product works by increasing the synthesis of protein, carbohydrates, and fats as well as RNA in the body thereby increasing your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate). Bodybuilders love this product for many reasons. This product is an excellent fat burner since your metabolism is greatly increased while being on it. You can afford to be a little sloppier on precontest dieting since it will still burn fat when you are taking in a lot of calories since your metabolism is going haywire. Step over Ripped Fuel, E/C/A stack, Thermodrine. When taken with clenbuterol, this is the single best fatburning combination that is available today (with the possible exception of DNP). It also helps to make steroids more effective since it is such a good aid for protein synthesis.Most people need to be careful to start with a low dosage, about 25 mcgs. per day and increase by about one tab or 25 mcgs. per day every 5-6 days. Make sure that you don't go over 100 mcgs. per day at the very most. On days that you take muliple tabs, divide the tabs evenly across the day (i.e. 100 mcgs. would be 4 doses of 25 mcgs. apiece spread evenly across the day.) You also need to make sure that you cycle down off this product as well to keep the thyroid functioning properly as well. Don't take for more than 5 weeks at a time as well. After doing a cycle of this drug, make sure you go at least 8 weeks before doing it again as to allow normal thyroid functioning to return.