SARMs at a glance: schedule, half-life, and class
- Examples
- Ostarine (enobosarm, MK-2866), ligandrol (LGD-4033), testolone (RAD-140), andarine (S4)
- Often grouped with (not SARMs)
- Cardarine (GW501516), ibutamoren (MK-677)
- Drug class
- Investigational androgen receptor ligands
- US legal status
- Not controlled; unapproved drugs; illegal in dietary supplements
- Forms
- Liquids, capsules sold 'for research only'
- Sport
- Prohibited by WADA at all times
What is SARMs?
SARMs were developed for muscle wasting, osteoporosis, and other conditions. None has been approved by the FDA.[1]
The FDA has warned that SARMs in bodybuilding products are associated with serious safety concerns, including heart attack, stroke, and liver damage, and has issued warning letters to sellers.[1]
SARMs effects and how long they last
Users report gains in muscle and strength. Like steroids, SARMs suppress the body's own testosterone and sperm production and lower HDL cholesterol.
SARMs side effects and risks
Liver injury: multiple case reports of drug-induced liver injury, including jaundice requiring hospital care.[1]
Heart: lowered HDL cholesterol and possible increased risk of heart attack and stroke.[1]
Hormones: suppressed testosterone, low sperm count, and, in women, masculinizing effects.
Mislabeling: a 2017 JAMA study found only about half of products sold as SARMs contained the listed SARM, and many contained other unapproved drugs.[2]
Cardarine: often sold alongside SARMs, it was abandoned in development after causing cancers in animal studies.
SARMs interactions: what is dangerous to mix with it
Choose what it would be combined with:
| Combined with | What happens | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin and other blood thinners | Increased bleeding risk | Monitor closely |
| Insulin and diabetes medicines | Lower blood sugar | Monitor |
| Other steroids and stimulants | Heart and liver strain | High risk |
| Alcohol and acetaminophen in high doses | More liver damage (oral steroids) | Avoid |
This is not a full list. Combining substances raises the risk of harm, especially when the contents of street drugs are unknown.
SARMs overdose: signs and what to do
SARMs do not usually cause acute overdose. Seek care for yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain, chest pain, or signs of stroke.[1]
When to get emergency help
- Call 911 for chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, or a severe headache.
- Seek urgent care for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, or a painful, swollen leg.
- Seek care for a hot, painful, or swollen injection site, which may be an infection.
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988.
What happens when someone stops anabolic steroids?
After a cycle, the body's own testosterone production is suppressed and can take weeks to months to recover. Many users develop dependence on steroids.[3]
- Weeks 1 to 4Low testosteroneFatigue, low sex drive, erectile problems, and low mood.
- Months 1 to 3RecoveryDepression, which can be severe, and muscle loss; hormone levels slowly recover.
- Months to a year or moreLasting effectsSome people have long-term low testosterone or infertility.
Warning: Depression after stopping steroids can be severe and has been linked to suicide. Anyone with thoughts of self-harm should call or text 988.
A clinician can check hormone levels, treat depression, and help hormones recover. Some people need specialist care.
Is SARMs legal in the US? Schedule and legal status
SARMs are not federally controlled substances, but they are unapproved drugs. The FDA says they cannot lawfully be marketed as dietary supplements, and selling them for human use is illegal.[1]
- Research chemical labels: labels saying 'for research only' do not make sales for human use legal.
- Pending legislation: bills to add SARMs to the Controlled Substances Act have been introduced in Congress but not enacted.
- Military and sport: SARMs are prohibited by WADA and by the US military.
Where can someone get help with SARMs use?
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357. Free, confidential, 24 hours a day, in English and Spanish. It gives referrals to local treatment and support.[4]
- FindTreatment.gov: a federal locator for state-licensed treatment programs, searchable by location, payment, and type of care.[5]
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 for a mental health or substance use crisis.
- Your own clinician: a primary care doctor can screen, treat, and refer, and can discuss medicines that support recovery where they exist.
SARMs legal status in other countries
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| Australia | Prescription-only (Schedule 4); importing without a prescription is illegal |
| United Kingdom | Unlicensed medicines; supply restricted |
| International | Not under UN control; prohibited in sport by WADA |
Laws change and differ in detail. Check current rules before carrying any controlled medicine across a border.[6]
Common questions about SARMs
Are SARMs steroids?
No, chemically, but they act on the same androgen receptors and share many risks.
Are SARMs legal?
They are not controlled substances, but they are unapproved drugs and cannot legally be sold for human use or as supplements.
Are SARMs safer than steroids?
This has not been shown. They have caused liver injury and suppress testosterone.
Do SARMs show up on drug tests?
Yes, in sport testing. They are banned by WADA.
Is MK-677 a SARM?
No. Ibutamoren (MK-677) is a growth hormone secretagogue, though it is often sold with SARMs.
Sources
- Certain bodybuilding products put consumers at risk for heart attack, stroke, serious liver damage and more. US Food and Drug Administration.
- Chemical Identification and Labeling of Substances Marketed as Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators and Sold via the Internet. JAMA, 2017.
- Anabolic Steroids. National Institute on Drug Abuse.
- National Helpline. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- FindTreatment.gov. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- International drug control conventions. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
