Synthol Syntherex (85 % (MCT) oil, 7.5 % lidocaine, and 7.5 % alcohol)

Description

Synthol differs from anabolic steroids, which are also used by some bodybuilders to boost muscle size. Anabolic steroids have a legitimate medical purpose in helping treat hormonal imbalances, or conditions such as cancer that can cause muscle loss.

Synthol has no such medical value. While it expands muscle tissue, it doesn’t improve muscle strength. It’s typically injected into the biceps, triceps, deltoids, and calf muscles.

Bodybuilders may try synthol prior to a competition because the effects are almost immediate. However, synthol injections often cause muscles to appear deformed and unnaturally shaped, according to a study Trusted Source of bodybuilders using the substance.

Side Effects

A review of several studies found that synthol use may lead to life-long health complications. Synthol can also leave muscles misshapen and out of proportion to other muscles in the body.

What’s more, research Trusted Source shows that synthol may also cause muscle fibrosis. This painful and potentially irreversible condition causes muscle tissue to become so scarred that it may die and have to be removed surgically.

Synthol can also lead to some serious, potentially life-threatening complications — especially if the compound is injected directly into a vein or artery, or if the syringe injures a nerve during the injection.

Among the more serious dangers of synthol injections are:

• nerve damage
• blockage of the pulmonary artery, which supplies blood to the lungs
• heart attack
• stroke
• infectious complications

In addition, injection sites can become infected, causing redness and pus to form.