Oxymetholoneremained available despite this and eventually found a new use in treating HIV wasting syndrome. oxymetholone is one of the strongest androgenic steroids available. Despite very low binding affinity with the androgen receptor, oxymetholone is highly effective in promoting extensive gains in body mass, mostly by greatly improving protein synthesis. For this reason, it is often used by bodybuilders and athletes. Many athletes also use oxymetholone as a method of protection for the joints under heavy loads. Oxymetholone is widely considered by bodybuilders to have the strongest anabolic effect out of all oral steroids available. The side-effects of oxymetholone include swelling, rapid weight gain, priapism, changes in skin color, urination problems, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, jaundice, breast swelling in men, feeling restless or excited, insomnia, and diarrhea.