For decades, Androlic 50mg tablets by British Dispensary have been legendary in bodybuilding circles. Known for delivering explosive mass, strength, and appetite stimulation, it was once considered the ultimate oral steroid for hardgainers. But today, real Androlic no longer exists—yet the demand remains sky-high, fueling a black market flooded with counterfeit versions.
This article breaks down everything bodybuilders need to know: what Androlic really was, why it was discontinued, why so many fakes exist, how to spot them, and what safer, legitimate alternatives are available today.
Androlic is the brand name for oxymetholone, a powerful C17-alpha alkylated oral anabolic steroid originally developed to treat anemia, particularly in patients with aplastic anemia or HIV-related wasting Mayo Clinic, 2023 . Manufactured by British Dispensary, the 50mg pink tablets became iconic in the 1980s and 1990s for their ability to pack on 5–10 lbs of lean mass in just 4 weeks.
Unlike milder orals like Anavar, Androlic works through multiple mechanisms:
Its anabolic-to-androgenic ratio is estimated at 320:45, making it one of the most potent mass-building orals ever marketed [Gruber & Pope, 2000 – Anabolic Steroids in Sport and Exercise].
Key fact: Oxymetholone is not a testosterone derivative—it’s a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) analog modified to resist breakdown and maximize anabolic effects.
Despite its effectiveness, British Dispensary stopped producing Androlic in the early 2000s, and no pharmaceutical company currently manufactures it under that name in Western markets. The reasons are well-documented in medical literature and regulatory decisions:
Oxymetholone is one of the most liver-stressing oral steroids. Clinical studies show it consistently elevates ALT and AST liver enzymes, with risks of peliosis hepatis (blood-filled cysts in the liver) and hepatocellular adenomas NEJM, 1988 .
A 2017 review in Journal of Clinical Medicine concluded that C17-alpha alkylated steroids like oxymetholone should be used only under strict medical supervision due to dose-dependent liver injury JCM, 2017 .
Androlic aromatizes moderately, leading to:
This made it unsuitable for long-term therapy, especially in older patients.
With the advent of erythropoietin (EPO) and better anemia treatments, the medical demand for oxymetholone plummeted. It was no longer cost-effective or safe for widespread use.
The FDA and EMA tightened controls on anabolic steroids in the 2000s. Oxymetholone was classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the U.S., making legal production and distribution increasingly difficult.
No. There is no legitimate supply of original British Dispensary Androlic 50mg tablets on the market.
Any “vintage” stock being sold today is either:
Even if real tablets existed, they would likely be contaminated, degraded, or improperly stored, making them unsafe.
As noted by Dr. Thomas O’Connor (The Anabolic Doctor) in his clinical practice, “Old pharmaceuticals lose potency and can develop toxic byproducts. Taking 20-year-old oxymetholone is gambling with your liver.”
The discontinuation of Androlic created a vacuum—and the black market rushed in to fill it.
Bodybuilders hear stories of “golden era” mass gains from Androlic. Forums like Anabolic Minds and Steroidology are filled with posts like:
“My coach used Androlic in the 90s—he went from 190 to 230 in 8 weeks.”
— User post, r/steroids, 2023
This mythologizing drives demand, even among younger lifters who never saw the real product.
Fake Androlic can be produced cheaply in underground labs (UGLs) and sold at premium prices. A batch of 100 fake pink tablets costs less than $20 to make but sells for $150+.
Online marketplaces (Telegram, Instagram, Reddit) allow vendors to operate anonymously. Many sellers claim “original stock” or “pharmaceutical grade” with zero proof.
Despite being off the market for over two decades, Androlic 50mg by British Dispensary continues to be one of the most counterfeited steroids in the bodybuilding underground. The demand is driven by myth, nostalgia, and misleading forum posts—creating a perfect environment for scammers and underground labs (UGLs) to profit from fake pills.
Here are the primary channels where fake Androlic tablets are currently being sold, along with real user evidence and lab-confirmed reports from trusted steroid communities.
Telegram has become the #1 hub for illicit steroid trade due to encrypted messaging and minimal moderation. Vendors operate under aliases, often using channels like:
These groups frequently advertise “original British Dispensary Androlic” with vintage packaging photos, claiming “old stock” or “museum batch.” However, as noted in a 2023 post on r/steroids, one buyer who purchased “Androlic” via Telegram sent it for testing:
“Paid $180 for 50 tabs of ‘Androlic BD.’ Used AlphaCheck Labs—zero oxymetholone detected. It was 30mg of methandienone (Dianabol) per tab. Classic fake.”
— u/SteroidNewbie2023, Reddit r/steroids, March 2023
Another user on Steroidology Forum shared a photo of a fake strip with incorrect font spacing and blurry “BD” imprint, later confirmed by Janoshik Analytical to contain only lactose and food dye.
Although Reddit bans direct sales, private DMs and invite-only Discord servers linked from r/steroids remain active. Vendors use phrases like:
However, multiple thread warnings have been posted:
“Avoid vendor ‘UKGearOnly.’ Sold me ‘Androlic’ that tested as clenbuterol + D-bol mix. Liver enzymes went to 300+ in 3 weeks.”
— Anabolic Minds member, June 2024
A 2024 analysis by PeptideDB reviewed 12 samples labeled “British Dispensary Androlic” purchased across Reddit and Telegram. None contained oxymetholone. Seven contained Dianabol, three were placebo, and two had unknown stimulants.
Sellers use fitness-themed accounts to post pink tablets with hashtags like #vintagegear, #pharmaceuticalgrade, or #oldschoolmass. They often claim:
But MuscleMecca.com issued a warning in 2023:
“We’ve seen at least 5 different fake Androlic brands circulating on Instagram. All have incorrect tablet weight, color mismatch, or fake batch numbers. No verified source of real British Dispensary Androlic exists today.”
One vendor even used a photoshopped HPLC certificate with a fake lab logo, later exposed by Your Friendly Pharmacist on YouTube.
Though frequently taken down, listings for “Oxymetholone 50mg – British Dispensary” still appear under disguised names like:
A 2022 investigation by The Steroid Mafia Podcast revealed that 100% of “Androlic” bought from AliExpress were counterfeit. One sample, labeled “BD Pharma,” was tested and found to be bromazolam (a designer benzodiazepine), posing serious health risks.
“This isn’t just fake—it’s dangerous. People are taking sedatives thinking they’re on a mass-building steroid.”
— Steroid Mafia, Episode #187, “The Counterfeit Crisis”
Sites like:
Have dedicated vendor review sections where users report fake Androlic. On Steroidology’s Chemical Study board, a pinned thread titled “Fake Androlic Alert – Updated 2024” lists 7 confirmed counterfeit brands:
One user on Anabolic Minds shared a side-by-side comparison:
“Real Androlic was bright pink, slightly chalky, dissolved slowly in water. This fake? Dissolved in 10 seconds—clear sign of low-quality binder. No pump, no strength gain. Waste of $200.”
Some UGLs produce real oxymetholone but label it as “Androlic” to capitalize on the brand’s reputation. While the active ingredient may be correct, these are not British Dispensary tablets.
“I’ve tested several ‘Androlic’ brands from UGLs. Some contain real oxymetholone, but dosages vary from 30mg to 70mg per tab. Inconsistent and risky.”
— Dr. Thomas O’Connor, The Anabolic Doctor Podcast, 2023
“If it’s pink, says ‘Androlic,’ and costs over $2 per tab—assume it’s fake until proven otherwise.”
— Greg Doucette, YouTube, “Steroid Scams Exposed”
As Dr. Mike Israetel (RP Strength) puts it:
“Androlic is a relic. The real stuff is gone. What’s being sold today is either fake, misrepresented, or potentially dangerous. Use real oxymetholone from tested sources—if you must—but stop chasing ghosts.”
The market for fake Androlic isn’t just about profit—it’s a symptom of misinformation, nostalgia, and the lack of regulation. Until bodybuilders prioritize testing, transparency, and safety, the counterfeit cycle will continue.
Real British Dispensary Androlic had distinct features:
| Feature | Authentic Androlic | Common fakes |
| Color | Bright pink | Pale pink, red, or orange |
| Shape | Oval, beveled edges | Round, flat, or incorrect oval |
| Imprint | Clear “BD” logo | Blurry, missing, or fake logo |
| Packaging | Blister packs with batch # and expiry | Loose in bags or generic bottles |
| Weight | ~100mg (50mg active + filler) | Often underweight or inconsistent |
Greg Doucette has repeatedly warned his audience:
“If it’s pink and says ‘Androlic,’ it’s probably fake. Real oxymetholone exists—but not from British Dispensary.”
Independent lab tests from AlphaCheck, PeptideDB, and Janoshik Analytical reveal that fake Androlic often contains:
One 2023 analysis by Janoshik Analytical found a sample labeled “Androlic” contained no oxymetholone—only a mix of D-bol and clenbuterol.
Since British Dispensary Androlic 50mg is permanently discontinued and no longer available from legitimate pharmaceutical channels, many bodybuilders still seeking the powerful mass-building effects of oxymetholone turn to modern, verified alternatives.
The good news? Oxymetholone itself is still produced—just not under the “Androlic” brand. Several reputable pharmaceutical and underground labs manufacture authentic oxymetholone tablets that contain the same active ingredient, often with better quality control and verified dosing.
Here are real, tested oxymetholone (Anadrol) products from known manufacturers that are currently available through trusted sourcing networks:
“Ran Deus Medical Anadromed for 6 weeks—gained 9 lbs of solid mass. Got it tested—exactly 50mg per tab.”
— User post, r/steroids, 2024
Drīada Medical positions itself as a high-end UGL with third-party testing, making it a preferred choice for users prioritizing safety.
“Superhuman’s Anadrol hits hard—strength up in 3 days. Sent a sample—98% purity, no contaminants.”
— Steroidology Chemical Study thread, 2024
⚠️ Note: Always verify you’re on the official website (superhumanpharma.com) — clones and copycat sites exist.
While Hilma Biocare operates in the UGL space, their commitment to batch verification and customer support sets them apart from fly-by-night vendors.
If you decide to use real oxymetholone (not fake Androlic), follow these guidelines from Dr. Abraham Lock and Dr. Jordan Grant:
Higher doses increase liver risk without proportional gains Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 1972 .
Dr. Rand McClain recommends:
“TUDCA is essential. It helps bile flow and reduces liver enzyme spikes.”
Get blood tests before, during, and after:
Dr. Eric Helms advises:
“If ALT goes above 200, stop immediately. No gain is worth liver damage.”
After an oxymetholone cycle:
Using counterfeit steroids isn’t just ineffective—it’s dangerous.
The Cleveland Clinic warns:
“Unregulated steroids may contain bacteria, fungi, or toxic fillers that can cause severe health complications” Cleveland Clinic, 2022 .
British Dispensary Androlic 50mg is gone. It was discontinued for valid medical and safety reasons. Any “real” Androlic being sold today is almost certainly a fake.
But the desire for rapid mass and strength isn’t going away. Instead of chasing myths, bodybuilders should:
The golden era of bodybuilding may be over—but with better information, safer practices, and smarter choices, the future of performance enhancement can be even stronger.
