JAUNDICE ASSOCIATED WITH NORETHANDROLONE (NILEVAR) ADMINISTRATION

Abstract

A new anabolic steroid, norethandrolone (Nilevar), has recently been introduced for clinical use. This drug has been used successfully to reduce the hypercalcinuria associated with paralytic poliomyelitis.¹Norethandrolone, 17a-ethyl-17-hydroxy-19-nor-4-androsten-3-one, is structurally intermediate between testosterone and estradiol. It has been shown to be a potent agent in reducing and reversing nitrogen catabolism.²However, at this service two of seven patients who received 1 mg. per kilogram of body weight per day of the drug over a period of several months developed jaundice. Report of Cases Case 1.— A 34-year-old engineer developed bulbospinal poliomyelitis in September, 1956. He required part-time respiratory aid. He was started on norethandrolone therapy, 20 mg. three times a day, on Dec. 20, 1956. He received this dosage intermittently over a period of 19 weeks, taking the drug for 14 weeks and being without it for one 3-week and two 1-week periods. On April