Esiclene (formebolone)

Formebolone is an anabolic steroid which is derived from testosterone and is a close relative of the steroid dianabol, but has been extensively modified. Formebolone is unable to convert to estrogen, and exhibits even less relative androgenicity in comparison. Formebolone was first studied extensively during the 1970’s in Italy. It was developed as a steroid with increased anabolic activity and reduced androgenic activity compared to the hormone testosterone, with a focus on the tissue building functions of testosterone and reducing its unwanted side effects. Esiclene is no longer available as a prescription medication. When manufactured it was commonly found in the form of 5mg tablets and a 2mg/ml injectable solution.

Formebolone is often looked upon as a very weak anabolic agent by the athletic community and is not generally used for building muscle. It is however very effective in one unusual way, and that is that when administered by injection, formebolone irritates the muscle tissue at the site of administration. The body will then respond to this by inflaming at the injection site and thus causing an increase in the size of the irritated muscle. Because this irritation can be very uncomfortable, amps of formebolone also contained 20mg of lidocaine, a localized painkiller, in order to make treatments less painful. Even with this added measure to prevent discomfort, injections of formebolone were still quite painful, but often endured by users for the dramatic results which could be obtained in such a short period of time. Formebolone is not aromatized by the body, and is not measurably estrogenic. Therefore, an anti-estrogen is not necessary during administration and one not need be concerned with estrogen related side effects such as water retention etc. Because of this, this steroid will usually produce a lean, harder look to the muscles which is favored by athletes looking to run “cutting” cycles. Androgenic side effects are possible with this steroid. Androgenic side effects include things such as oily skin, acne, and increased body and facial hair. Androgenic side effects in women may result in things such as deepening of the voice and clitoral enlargement. It is also important to note that formebolone is a C17aa oral, meaning that it can be toxic to the liver and therefore cycles of this substance should be limited 6-8 weeks. The use of a liver detoxification supplement such as Liv-52 is advised while taking any hepatotoxic anabolic/androgenic steroids.

The common clinical dosage of formebolone was around 5mg per day. For performance enhancing purposes, there was no clear cut dosage protocol, but the dosage for this usually fell into the range of 15-40mg per day for 6-8 weeks. It is advised that users take the oral form of this drug on an empty stomach in increase bioavailability. When the injectable form is used for site enhancement, it is important to note that the swelling produced by this drug is only temporary. It will usually only take a week after the injection for the swelling to subside. It is usually injected into the muscle on a daily basis. Bodybuilders have found that this drug works better for the smaller muscle groups such as the deltoids, biceps, and calves. Women often find an oral dosage of this steroid in the range of 5-10mg a day for 4-6 weeks to be effective for seeing the desired results.