The effects of Furazabol are similar to Winstrol except instead of having an adverse effect on cholesterol values, therapeutic doses of Furazabol purportedly improve a person's blood lipid profile. As such, Furazabol was prescribed in Japan under the trade name Miotolan in the 1970s as a treatment for hypercholesterolemia. Both Furazabol and Winstrol are modified Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) molecules; the former possesses a furazan group and the latter a pyrazole group. This presumably accounts for the different effects on blood lipids.

According to William Llewellyn, author of Anabolics 2007, the cholesterol-lowering effects of Furazabol are a myth. In the 1970s, research studies showed that Furazabol along with many other orally-active AAS like Anavar (oxandrolone) lowered total serum cholesterol. It was subsequently established that the cholesterol reduction from oral AAS was the result of suppressed HDL levels. As such, it would be expected that Furazabol, like other oral anabolic steroids, while reducing total cholesterol levels would still adversely affect the HDL/LDL ratio and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Diversion of this obscure pharmaceutical steroid to the black market rarely occurred while it was being manufactured by Daiichi Seiyaku Company in Japan. However, a number of underground labs (UGL) have produced limited quantities of Furazabol in recent years. Additionally, a non-methylated derivative of Furazabol called Furaguno is currently being sold over-the-counter on the sport nutrition market in the United States in 2006 and 2007.

The Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson tested positive for Stanozolol after winning the gold medal in the 100 meter sprint at the 1988 Summer Olympics. His doctor, Dr. Jamie Astaphan, maintains that his urine sample was sabotaged because Johnson was administered Furazabol which would have cleared his system well in advance of the competition.

Furazabol is the chemical name of active ingredient in Miotolan. Miotolan was a registered trademark of Daiichi Seiyaku Co., Ltd in Japan and/or other countries prior to cancellation.

Visit Our Forums to Learn More About Anabolic Steroids