Ostarine (MK-2866) Complete Guide
Ostarine is one of the investigational drugs that have received a lot of attention in recent times. The main reason behind the fascination with ostarine is its ability to grow muscle mass in the user’s body without adding fat.
For athletes and bodybuilders, ostarine is a recreational/muscle-enhancing drug. However, in medical research, this anabolic drug stimulates muscle growth in patients with AIDS, cancer or those with cachexia or wasting syndrome.
But outside of the pharmaceutical and bodybuilding industries, only a handful know about ostarine.
So let’s dig deeper into ostarine and what it is all about in this complete guide.
What is Ostarine?
Ostarine is a drug that is primarily used for treating muscle atrophy or muscle wasting, and osteoporosis. The FDA lists ostarine as an investigational new drug or IND, which technically means that commercial sale is illegal and use by humans is in the experimental stage.
GTx, Inc was responsible for developing ostarine in 2009. However, Merck & Company started the initial development of this drug. Ostarine belongs to a group of drugs called the SARM or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator.
The other names of ostarine are enobasarm, MK-2866, GTx-024, and S-22. GTx, Inc has not publicly disclosed the chemical structure of ostarine; therefore, most people assume it is the same as andarine.
How Does Ostarine Work?
As briefly highlighted above, ostarine is an androgen receptor. Androgens are groups of hormones that are present naturally in the body. Ostarine can bind itself to these hormones when ingested in the body and stimulates the muscles to grow.
The muscle growth from ostarine use is due to a combination of gene alteration and protein synthesis.
SARMs such as ostarine contain fewer androgenic properties. This means that ostarine or MK-2866 does not significantly influence male hormones as steroids do.
Of course, research on the effect of ostarine is still limited. Still, initial results show promising results, which is why it has been receiving a lot of attention in the medical community.
Who Should Use Ostarine?
Primarily, ostarine is used to treat muscle wasting syndrome or those who suffer from osteoporosis, cancer, AIDS, and hypogonadism. These patients undergo muscle atrophy even after recovering from the illness, making it impossible for them to gain weight.
In bodybuilding and sports, athletes often use this tentative drug to supplement their performance. However, no medical practitioner will prescribe ostarine as a legal drug, regardless of your medical condition or area of interest.
Please note that we do not endorse or recommend the use of ostarine. And we will explain it in the next section.
Is Ostarine legal?
A straightforward answer? No, ostarine is not a legal drug, according to the USFDA. Although the clinical trials of the phase III study for ostarine were completed in 2014, it is not legal in the US or any other country in the world.
Therefore, there are no legal products that contain ostarine – whether they are medications or dietary supplements.
Of course, several dietary supplement companies use ostarine in their products. USADA lists 72 health supplement products that use ostarine as one of the main ingredients. However, if the brand advertises ostarine in their product ingredient listing, it is likely from the black market.
On the other hand, some health brands use ostarine but do not include its name in the ingredient listing. Alternatively, other brands that use ostarine may use its other names, such as MK-2866, enobasarm, or GTx-24. This marketing tactic is employed to confuse consumers and convince them that the brand does not use ostarine in its products.
Nevertheless, health supplements that contain ostarine in them are on the High-Risk List of the USADA site.
Ostarine is also a prohibited drug, according to the WADA, World Anti-Doping Agency. Nevertheless, athletes who test positive for MK-2866 have been steadily on the rise since the early 2010s.
If you are an athlete, you should also watch out for (2S)-3-(4-cyanophenoxy)-N-[4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide on the ingredient list of health supplements. This is another name of ostarine, and using it can seriously reduce your credibility.
Ostarine Side Effects
The main reason behind ostarine’s popularity is because it has no side effects, apparently, or at least no severe ones have been detected yet. Unlike other androgen receptors such as steroids that has adverse side effects, ostarine does not.
In fact, ostarine is a hot item due to its benefits, including:
- Increasing lean muscle mass
- Building insulin resistance
- Burning fat quickly
- Improving physical performance
Ostarine does not have the same side effects as steroids and is possibly the mildest of the SARMs. However, ostarine is by no means a miracle drug without any side effects at all.
Extensive research on the side effects of ostarine is still necessary to come to a conclusive list of its possible side effects. However, according to WebMD, ostarine produces some side effects in the user’s body, especially when taken orally.
These side effects include:
- Constipation
- Pain in the stomach
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fever
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Liver damage
Other sources also cite the following as the possible side effects of ostarine:
- Testosterone suppression
- Hormonal imbalance
- Cystic acne
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Pain in the testicles
The side effects of ostarine and its severity vary greatly from one person to the next. However, this proves that this new anabolic drug is not without any implications after all.
Ostarine Dosage
Since ostarine is an illegal drug, doctors and medical practitioners typically refrain from discussing its use and its dosage. Besides its illegal status, ostarine also has very little research, so it is impossible to determine the right dosage.
That being said, the right dosage of ostarine will depend on several factors of the user, including:
- Age
- Gender
- Health condition
- Whether or not there are existing health complications
If you are adamant about using ostarine despite its side effects and the possible legal complications, reading the product label is the best way to consume it.
Health supplements, including those with ostarine as one of the ingredients, will have the dosage on the package.
Best Ostarine (mk-2866) Alternative Review
As remarkable as ostarine is, the FDA has not approved it for human consumption. Therefore, bodybuilders and athletes have always searched for the best ostarine alternatives.
Brutal Force’s Ostabulk is one of the best alternatives to ostarine. It has natural ingredients, including nettle, Korean red ginseng, black pepper extract, and fenugreek, plant and plant-based ingredients known for their fantastic health benefits.
Nettle reduces inflammation, boosts liver health, balances blood sugar, and lowers blood pressure for the uninitiated. Nettle is also rich in polyphenols, amino acids, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
On the other hand, red ginseng increases energy, boosts the immune system, and helps with brain function, among other things.
Black pepper has similar benefits as red ginseng and nettle. While fenugreek boosts testosterone, controls blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol and inflammation as well.
Of course, ostabulk also has some fantastic ingredients, including the all-important vitamin lineup – Vitamin B6, D3, and K1. It also has several essential minerals such as zinc, magnesium and other ingredients that you can see on the label.
But apart from the stellar ingredient lineup, this natural ostarine alternative has great features as well.
Features of Ostabulk
Here are the top features of ostabulk that make it a great natural alternative to ostarine.
Builds Muscle
One of the best features of ostabulk is its ability to stimulate muscle growth naturally. This natural supplement also improves muscle composition and increases bone density. This is essentially, what everyone looks for in health supplements, and ostabulk does it fantastically.
Besides, this ostarine alternative also has a fast-acting formula, so you can see the results within 8 to 12 weeks, which is very similar to ostarine.
Ostabulk also increases strength and boosts testosterone. This is quite contrary to testosterone suppression that is one of the side effects of ostarine.
This means that when you take ostabulk, you can work out a lot more. And, of course, this will allow you to get lean and build the muscle groups you desire.
No Side Effects
Ostabulk is 100% safe and has no side effects, which is one of the top reasons it makes a great ostarine alternative. This is primarily because this muscle supplement has natural ingredients.
Ostarine has several long-term and short-term side effects, so the fact that ostabulk has no side effects is a fantastic feature.
It is legal
This ostarine alternative is FDA-registered, so you can confidently use it without any problem. The main issue with ostarine is that it is not legal according to the FDA in the US or any other country in the world. Besides, ostarine also has a prohibited status with the WADA.
Ostabulk also has GMP or Good Manufacturing Practice certification making it trustworthy and high quality. If you are not familiar, brands approved or certified by GMP are consistent with quality standards and undergo rigorous testing.
Easily Stackable
Another excellent feature of ostabulk is how effortless it is to stack it with other SARMs. Brutal Force, the brand that manufactures ostabulk, also has other SARM products that work seamlessly together.
Triple stacking ostarine or using two other SARMs with ostarine is very popular among its users. So if you decide to use ostabulk with other SARMs, you can easily do so.
The other SARMs in the lineup include:
- Radbulk – It is formulated to deliver strength and performance in the user’s body. Radbulk is taken before the workout sessions.
- Andalean – It is a post-workout supplement formulated to break down the body fat by increasing the metabolic rate. With andalean in your arsenal, you can achieve a ripped and super lean look without the fat accumulating in your body.
Of course, you can take ostabulk as a standalone too. However, if you choose to stack it, you can do so without any issues.
Reasons To Check Out Ostabulk
The outstanding features of ostabulk are mentioned in the above section. However, the following reasons should dispel any doubts if you are still hesitant about getting this ostarine alternative.
- Made in the USA:Ostabulk is manufactured in the US with high-quality ingredients to ensure premium quality. So you can trust that this muscle builder has no nasty or harmful effects on your body.
- Free worldwide shipping:Shipping charges are not fun for many online buyers, especially over long distances. Brutal Force offers free shipping for all orders, including international orders, which is fantastic. You only have to pay for the ostabulk and not worry about paying the shipping fees.
- 100% money-back guarantee: Brutal Force has a 100% money-back guarantee for ostabulk. This is very promising since brands that have this offer typically have guaranteed results for their products.
Ostabulk is formulated to give you guaranteed results – build extreme muscles, hyper strength and a ripped physique. If you don’t experience these results, you can return your bottle of ostabulk and get a full refund.
- 24/7 support: Online stores that have no customer support are typically shady and do not inspire confidence. However, Brutal Force offers 24/7 customer support so you can get in touch with all types of issues and queries.
- Multiple payment options:Few things are more annoying than when online stores have a set payment method. Buying ostarine from anywhere is as straightforward as it has multiple payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, or other digital wallets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ostarine
When Does Ostarine Kick In?
This is a bit tricky question because we have to consider many variables that come into play. For instance, training, diet, dosage, product quality, and sleep play a very important role. Its effectiveness also varies from person to person.
Ostarine builds up in the body slowly, which generally takes about 8 to 12 weeks. Most users, however, notice the effects after 14 days. But again, this may not be the same for everyone. Some may not feel it kick in even after two weeks.
What To Stack Ostarine With?
The combination of ostarine and cardarine is a very popular choice for many sportspersons and bodybuilders. Experts and researchers also agree that the combination of these two products is very potent.
Ostarine is a compound that helps gain and preserves muscle tissues that result in gaining muscle mass. On the other hand, cardarine-GW-501516, also known as a fat burner, helps the body get rid of excess fats and increases strength, stamina, and endurance.
The combination of andarine, ostarine, and cardarine, popularly known as SARMs triple stack, is also a great choice for beginners and intermediate users.
An average person needs about 72 hours to fully recover from a hard gym session. But andarine reduces this time by 48 hours, which means you can hit the gym more frequently and train harder.
Is Ostarine A Steroid?
Although ostarine is still an investigational drug undergoing tests, it is not considered a steroid. It belongs to Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators or SARMs, a class of drugs commonly found in most bodybuilding supplements.
Ostarine binds with the protein called androgen receptors and tells the muscles to expand or grow. Unlike steroids, which also attach to androgen receptors, ostarine does not have serious side effects.
However, ostarine is yet to be approved by the FDA for human consumption.
Does Ostarine Affect Sleep?
This drug only stimulates the protein found in muscles, the biceps, and triceps in particular. It does not affect other body parts such as the heart, hair glands, and prostate; hence it does not affect sleep.
SARMs, in general, do not affect or disturb non-skeletal muscle tissues. This means ostarine is also meant only for androgenic activity limited to the muscle tissues, which is why it is considered one of the best substances for increasing muscle mass.
However, as stated earlier, the results or effects may vary from one person to another. In other words, some are weaker than others, and the level of tolerance of substances, ostarine, in this case differs.
Can Ostarine Cause Acne?
Ostarine or SARMs, in general, does not cause acne. However, if you are acne-prone, you may experience it within the first few months of using this drug.
Studies have shown that an increase in androgen levels results in increased production of sebum, an oily substance that keeps the skin moisturized and helps the hair retain its shiny property. When a significant amount of sebum is accumulated, the dead cells are clogged, resulting in acne formation.
SARMs increase the androgen activity in the body, which may cause mild acne such as blackheads and whiteheads. This skin condition can worsen if you have a history of cystic acne.
SARMs, including ostarine, can tamper with the hormonal production in the user’s body. Therefore, it can trigger or aggravate symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance, such as cystic acne and hair loss.
Of course, not all acne-prone users may experience this problem with their skin. According to researchers, only two out of ten acne-prone users experienced this while they were using ostarine.
Even if it were to happen to you, there is no need to worry because acne from SARMs doesn’t affect the face area and neck. The reason is that the parts of the body with the most androgen receptors are the upper back, chest, and shoulders, where the most androgen activity takes place.
So, the chances of suffering from severe acne are very low, but if it happens for some reason, we recommend that you stop using SARMs immediately and wait for the acne to subside.
Is Ostarine Good For Fat Loss?
The main purpose of ostarine is to help gain muscle mass, but it also helps reduce body fats. Ostarine does not directly contribute to burning or dissolving fats but increases stamina and strength, thereby allowing the user to work out with greater intensity that helps fat loss.
So, the simple answer is this, ostarine does not contain substances that help the body process fats. But it increases the energy level and allows the users to engage in more exercises or workouts.
Additionally, ostarine improves the recovery time. This means the user can hit the gym regularly without losing weight or energy. In short, ostarine can be great for fat loss but may prove to be less effective for those who work out only from time to time.
What Is The Safest SARM?
Ostarine is an investigational drug, and health experts are yet to convince the Food and Drug Administration or the FDA to get it approved or legalized for use. On the other hand, there are no serious known side effects associated with the drug.
The potency and the efficacy of this drug cannot be overlooked, and this is why it is one of the most studied and researched drugs today. In short, the safety of this drug is still debated, but many experts consider it to be one of the safest SARMs which can be used as a steroid alternative.
SARMs and anabolic steroids share similar properties. But unlike steroids which affect more than muscle tissues, ostarine targets only a specific area.
Nevertheless, ostarine is not completely without side effects, as we have discussed throughout this post.
So if you are looking for a safe SARM that has no side effects and will give the same results as ostarine, ostabulk from Brutal Force is a great contender for the safest SARM.
Ostabulk is safe in two ways – it has natural ingredients, so it has zero side effects on the user. Besides, ostabulk has both FDA and GMP certification, so it poses no legal problems as well.
Ostarine is a health supplement drug that has positive as well as negative attention for several industries. The anabolic drug seems to have several health benefits that can transform people living with debilitating health issues.
However, its illegal status is the single most deterrent in it becoming commercial. But researchers continue their work on this investigative drug which is quite hopeful.
In the meantime, ostarine alternatives such as ostabulk offer the same benefits of the drug without health complications, which is a great reason to add to your workout or performance-based activities.
