Epistane

OTHER NAME(S): 2,3-Thioepoxy Madol, 2a,3a-Thioepoxy Madol, Epi-plex, Havoc, Hemapolin, Methepitiostane, Methylepitiostanol, 2a,3a-epithio-17a-methyl-5a-androstan-17b-ol, Epistane, Épistane

Overview

Epistane is a type of chemical known as an anabolic steroid. It is similar to the hormone testosterone.

In the US, epistane is a schedule III controlled substance that is not legal for use in supplements. But it is still found in some supplement products. It is also banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Epistane is used for weight loss, to improve athletic performance, to reduce sexual problems, and for many other uses, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use. Epistane might also be unsafe.

References
  1. Anabolic Steroid Act, Public Law No. 108-358, 2004.
  2. Joseph JF, Parr MK. Synthetic androgens as designer supplements. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2015;13(1):89-100.
  3. Rahnema CD, Crosnoe LE, Kim ED. Designer steroids - over-the-counter supplements and their androgenic component: review of an increasing problem. Andrology. 2015;3(2):150-5.
  4. What Should Tested Athletes Know About GW1516? Education, Spirit of Sport. U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). September 24, 2019. Available at: https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/education/what-should-athletes-know-gw1516/
  5. Díaz FC, Sáez-González E, Benlloch S, et al. Albumin dialysis with MARS for the treatment of anabolic steroid-induced cholestasis. Ann Hepatol. 2016;15(6):939-943.