Anavar is used with a diet program to cause weight gain in people who have lost too much weight due to surgery, injury, chronic (long-lasting) infections, trauma, or who are underweight for unknown reasons. Oxandrolone is also used to treat bone pain in people with osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) and to prevent certain side effects in people who take corticosteroids (a group of medications used to treat many conditions that involve inflammation or swelling of part of the body) for a long time. Oxandrolone is in a class of medications called androgenic hormones. It works by increasing the amount of protein made by the body. This protein is used to build more muscle and increase body weight.

Oxandrolone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken two to four times a day. To help you remember to take oxandrolone, take it around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take oxandrolone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor will probably tell you to take oxandrolone for 2 to 4 weeks. You may need to take oxandrolone for additional time period depending on your condition.