Weight loss is not a completely accurate measure of wasting. Much of HIV disease related weight loss is due to cachexia, a process whereby the immune system dysfunction causes the body to skip the part of normal metabolism that spends body fat and heads for muscle mass depletion for the protein that is needed to combat infection. Anabolic steroids may address the problem of dysfunctional metabolism, but they do not stop or treat opportunistic infections. The most favored steroids are the ones that are safest and most effective. These are toxic to the liver.
Injectable testosterones are much safer than oral analogues.
Durabolin has the fewest masculinizing effects, making it most popular among women, and has the least negative effect on people with high blood pressure. Most San Francisco physicians elect to prescribe injectable testosterone, with doses ranging from 400mg per week to 200mg per month. Deca Durabolin is prescribed at 100-200mg every two to four weeks. The prescription and use of steroids is legal in the United States. The issue is clouded by the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990, which criminalizes sale and possession of any anabolic steroid intended for non-medical use.