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What Are The Repercussions Of Taking Anovar During The First 5 Weeks Of Pregnancy?

Posted on Fri, 9 Sep 2022

Question: Hello,

I have been taking Anavar up until June 23rd (it is now July 15). I found out yesterday that I am 7w5d pregnant so that means I was taking 12mg of Anavar during my first (almost) 5 weeks of pregnancy. I am terrified I caused irreversible defects or virilization in the fetus. Please advise!

Also are there any tests that could confirm any potential issues??

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Anomaly scan at 18 weeks

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Anovar or oxandrolone is the pregnancy category X drug, which means that it is found to cause embryotoxicity, congenital defects in the fetus and masculanisation of a female fetus.
However, since you stopped taking it when the fetus was around 4 weeks, therefore the chances of anomalies and masculanisation is less.

A anomaly scan is advised at 18-20 weeks to detect any congenital anomalies and further treatment should be done accordingly.
At 7 weeks 5 days, it is not possible to detect any anomalies.

Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards,
Dr. Deepti Verma
OBGYN

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (37 minutes later)

Hello Dr.

Thank you so much for your reply.
So if I did any damage to my baby, do you mean it would be detectable by 18-20 week mark?
And if there was damage, would there be any recourse whatsoever?

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

The most major congenital anomalies and defects are recognizable by 18 weeks gestation.
Moreover, the gender of the baby can be confirmed as only female fetus will have masculinizing effect.
The effects, if any , cannot be reverted back.
So, further management has to be done after proper prenatal counseling from a fetal medicine specialist.

Regards,
Dr. Deepti Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (1 hour later)

Okay. So basically my baby is at risk for masculinization if it is female, and not if it is male?
Sorry for all the questions- just trying to gain as much knowledge as I can before seeing my doctor. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (25 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Only if female

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Yes, the masculinizing effects will be there only if the fetus is female.

Regards,
Dr. Deepti Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy