| Street name |
Iron Brew
|
| Drug effect |
Users take the drug as an aid to muscle development, though there is a strong chance that users will become more aggressive.
|
| Method of use |
Tablets, injections, capsules. |
| Dependency |
Psychological dependence is common.
|
| Therapeutic use |
Can be used in the treatment of anaemia, thrombosis and often used to build muscle for patients who are long-term bed-ridden. |
| Withdrawal |
Some steroid users have reported lethargy and depression on stopping use.
|
| Long-term use |
It is difficult to offer conclusive evidence regarding the effects of long-term steroid use as most users are taking multiple combinations and at doses that are well above the recommended level. There is some clear evidence that persistent and heavy use may cause infertility or lack of sex drive in men. Conversely, some men may become sexually violent. Women may develop masculine side-effects, such as a deeper voice and smaller breasts. |
| Overdose risk |
Can cause high blood pressure. In extreme cases, they can cause liver damage and there is some evidence of liver cancer. |
| Legal status |
Anabolic steroids are not currently controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
|
| Special note |
Steroids are extremely diverse and medical or pharmacological advice should be sought to avoid being wrongly informed. |