Side Effects of Cardarine (GW 501516) [Long and Short Term]

The sports and fitness world has always been in the limelight for incorporating SARMs to boost performance. While there are formulas that deliver positive results, the experiences of SARM side effects are no less horrifying.

SARMs are the favorites of athletes, muscle-builders, and even celebs because of have fewer side effects compared to steroids.

Nonetheless, the dosage required by the human body for effective results has always sparked a debate.

Primarily used to boost muscle growth, Cardarine is one of the popular SARMs among bodybuilders. It helps lose body fat and often accompanies the user in their cutting phase of bodybuilding.

Nonetheless, Cardarine side effects are also not hidden. Notably, unlike other SARMs, the side effects of Cardarine are more damaging and concerning.

This guide takes you through the long-term and short-term side effects of Cardarine and offers preventive measures as well.

What is Cardarine?

Cardarine which is also popularly known as GW501516 and Endurobol is a SARM (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator).  The PPARδ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor) activator was created by Ligand Pharmaceuticals and GlaxoSmithKline in a research project in the 1990s.

The supplement was originally developed for its potential benefits on heart health and diabetes, However, Cardarine benefits and its cutting effects have made it a popular choice among bodybuilders and athletes.

PPAR delta is a hormone receptor that has potential roles in a lot of chronic diseases including obesity and cardiovascular health.

Adding to it, activation of PPARδ is also associated with increased fat-burning, energy, muscle-building, and endurance.

By binding with PPARδ, Cardarine turns into genes that improve fat metabolism and help develop a leaner physique.

However, it’s no longer a secret that Cardarine GW501516 contributes to many adverse health effects.

In fact, Cardarine studies were put to a halt during Phase II because of causing cancer. Still, people continue to use the supplement despite several warnings.

Is Cardarine legal?

No, Cardarine GW501516 is not legal to buy and use. However, its legality may vary from country to country.

• It is banned for every use other than medicinal and research purposes.
• WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) also prohibits the usage of Cardarine under the list of Prohibited substances in class S4.
• Cardarine is also prohibited by the military because it qualifies as a potential SARM.
• FDA also considers it as an experimental substance. That is to say, Cardarine is not approved by the FDA for human consumption.

The side effects of Cardarine and its abuse have led to its ban on numerous platforms.

Notably, after a study in 2007 revealed that mice injected with Cardarine had better physical performance, athletes started using it.

Some members of the 2008 Olympics were also found to use Cardarine. As a result, it was banned by WADA immediately. 

And while everything was going well for the bodybuilders and athletes for the first few weeks of using GW501516, both short and long-term side effects of Cardarine were trouble in paradise.

Cardarine Side Effects [Long and Short Term]

Overconsumption, abuse, and addiction to Cardarine in the long term can result in the following side effects.

#1. Cancer

This is one such side effect of Cardarine that led to its ban. In the year 2009, the development and further research on Cardarine came to a halt after the drug was found to cause cancer.

Notably, all the tested dosages resulted in tumors in various organs including eyes, thyroids, testes, lungs, tongue, bladder, and liver.

In the reports of the United Kingdom and Huntingdon Life Science, GW501516 was assessed for carcinogenic potential by daily oral administration on Han Wistar rats for 104 weeks. 

The lowest dosage that the male rats were given was 5mg/kg/day and the highest was 40mg/kg/day.

Female rats were given a minimum of 3mg/kg/day to 20mg/kg/day. Results showed an increase in mortality among females at all doses and several issues with various organs among males. (source)

This study led to the development of the Cardarine cancer theory.

#2. Insomnia

Sleepless nights are one of the common side effects of SARMs. Cardarine users may also have to spend nights staring at the ceiling.

The effect of Cardarine on the Central Nervous System and its ability to heighten adrenaline secretion is also responsible for Cardarine side effects.

Although the CNS may become more aroused, the energy levels remain stable. And while it doesn’t lead to crashes, it does result in insomnia.

To avoid this side effect of Cardarine, many users prefer to consume GW501516 early in the morning.

#3. Liver Toxicity

The liver is the main organ for fat storage, burning, and release. This makes it one of the main targets of Cardarine SARMs.

Notably, during the initial stages of the Mice study, Cardarine showed a positive effect on the liver. The liver cells exposed to Cardarine produce fewer cytokines.

This was thought to prevent insulin resistance. However, it was not long before Cardarine caused the death of liver cells and fibrosis. As a result, the compound was considered too dangerous for even human studies.

Adding to it, Cardarine is a common drug among users who have already used SARMs before. This could also be one of the factors behind hepatotoxicity by Cardarine.

GW501516 was thought to prevent liver damage by fat burning and reducing insulin and inflammation. However, liver damage by Cardarine demonstrates the severity of the side effects of this SARM for cutting.

#4. Heart health and blood pressure

The basis of the development of Cardarine was the ability to benefit the heart and blood vessels.

However, Cardarine also affects the cardiovascular health of the users in the long term.

Notably, Cardarine reportedly reduces oxidative stress damage on the blood vessels and also lowers plaque buildup in the arteries.

But before you start celebrating earlier, as per the lab results, adding Cardarine to human heart cells led to an increase in the production of new blood vessels.

While it can be helpful for those dealing with certain heart diseases, this is the Cardarine side effect that can lead to cancer in a healthy human.

Additionally, Cardarine by reducing the levels of good cholesterol levels increases the risk of blood pressure which further adversely affects the heart.

#5. Brain cell damage and mental health issues

The overconsumption of Cardarine can cause damage to your brain cells. This Cardarine side effect is unlike any other SARM side effects we have heard about so far.

Notably, Cardarine can cause brain inflammation by acting as a catalyst of a cytokine called Interleukin 6.

To elaborate, the earlier studies of Cardarine showed it could lower the effects of oxidative stress, it was later found that it has pro-inflammatory effects on the animal’s brain cells.

By reducing the levels of cytokines like TNF, it increases the levels of such cytokines (IL-6 (Interleukin 6)) that can cause damage to brain cells.

Adding to it, studies suggest using Cardarine for a prolonged period can cause depression and psychosis.

#6. Withdrawal issues

If one tries to stop the consumption of Cardarine after using it for a prolonged period, it can result in steroid-like withdrawal symptoms.

As a result, one may experience lethargy, emotional liability, mood swings, postural dizziness, and headache.

While these sound like nothing serious, they can take you back to where you started if you couldn’t handle it well. This causes an addiction to Cardarine as well.

Therefore, one of the Cardarine side effects comes from stopping its usage after using it for a long time.

#7. Suppresses natural testosterone production

The side effects of Cardarine are something men need to be worried about primarily.

Anything that affects your hormone levels needs to be on careful watch. Especially when it comes to primary hormones like testosterone.

The human body can produce testosterone hormone naturally which is the primary male sex hormone.

However, using Cardarine increases the level of androgens in the body. This results in a decline in the body’s requirement to naturally produce androgens.

Therefore, as the body is already filled with androgens, it stops producing testosterone. As a result, when the body ceases to produce testosterone naturally, it eventually starts showing the symptoms of low testosterone.

#8. May impact the menstrual cycle

Cardarine side effects for women include problems in their menstrual cycle.

Though it may not sound as serious as cancer, changes in the period cycle can take a toll on women’s health.

As per the reports, menstrual irregularities are associated with higher levels of circulating androgens. Therefore, it is quite clear that Cardarine which increases the androgen levels in the body can lead to irregularities in menstruation.

Furthermore, due to this hormonal disbalance, women can also experience PCOS.

#9. Hair loss

If you like to see beautiful healthy hair on your head, you should stop using Cardarine now.

Men are most likely to get affected by male-patterned baldness at some stage in their lives due to either genes or environmental factors.

However, studies have reported that the abusive use of Cardarine can contribute to male-patterned baldness. Adding to it, low levels of testosterone hormone because of using Cardarine can also contribute to hair loss in men.

#10. Change in blood sugar and fat

Cardarine can spike blood sugar levels drastically. Therefore, among all of the Cardarine side effects, this one is highly damaging for those with type 2 diabetes.

Cardarine users need to be very attentive while using this SARM to get a cutting physique.

However, after going through several Cardarine before and after reviews, it was found that the blood sugar levels come to normal levels after not using the drug.

Moving on, an increase in cortisol levels can also lead to weight gain and obesity. This as a whole will again affect the blood sugar levels as well as male sex hormones.

#11. Hypercalcemia

Who knew excess calcium could also be a health issue?

However, hypercalcemia can be disturbing for your health. Notably, hypercalcemia is two standard deviations in the serum calcium concentration above the mean value.

High levels of Cardarine make the intestine absorb more calcium and release it into the body. 

An increase in the calcium density in the blood leads to more frequent urination, high blood pressure, unexplained exhaustion, irregular heartbeat, metallic taste in the mouth, and loss of appetite. 

#12. Infection risk

Another Cardarine side effect includes the high risk of contraction infections because of hampered immunity.

Notably, Cardarine inhibits the body’s immunological response.

As a result, those who consume Cardarine feel sore throat, runny nose, cough, and fever frequently.

Those who are using Cardarine and have developed these symptoms should immediately meet the doctor and also maintain a distance from those who get sick easily.

#13. Vision

Cardarine side effects also include affecting your vision.

Some rare cases of blurry visions are reported after using cardarine. Adding to it, people are also talking about light sensitivity and eye pressure after using cardarine SARMs.

Even though there aren’t many cases of this side effect, this seems quite concerning.

These were some of the cardarine side effects experienced by the users depending on their reviews.

While most of the cardarine results are related to improving athletic ability, no doubt these side effects are alarming.

Moving on, though it comes with a lot of disadvantages, if cardarine is still your pick, you can minimize or prevent its side effects to an extent.

How to Prevent Cardarine Side Effects?

Cardarine GW501516 is a potent SARM that has such side effects that one may not want to experience in their wildest dreams.

However, those who still dare to use it but want to prevent its side effects on the body should keep in mind the following tips.

#1. Right Dosage

Make sure you use the SARMs in the right dosage for building muscles.

For healthy adults, the recommended dosage is up to 10 mg per day.

It is best to not take major risks in the initial stage and let the body get used to it by gradually increasing it.

#2. Pair with a healthy diet and exercise

Cardarine is a strong SARM and one must accompany it with a healthy diet and exercise.

Go for natural foods rather than processed ones to provide the body with nutrients that will have a counter-effect on the side effects of cardarine SARMs. Adding to it, intense exercise will sweat out the toxins.

#3. Consult healthcare professionals

Cardarine side effects are both short-term and long-term.

If you are witnessing any abnormal or sudden changes in the body after including cardarine in your regime, make sure to meet the health professional immediately.

Adding to it, considering the damaging side effects of Cardarine, if you already have health issues but want to include cardarine, consult the doctor before adding this SARMS.

#4. Keep tracking the progress

This is something everyone should do if they are including any health supplement in their diet.

Keep a track record of using the Cardarine which includes dosage, time, and changes you felt after using the supplements every day.

This helps in the early detection of cardarine side effects leading to the prevention of unrecoverable damage.

#8. Simply use natural alternatives

All of the above-mentioned preventive tips are good.

But what if you could witness the same results but not its side effects?

That’s right, the best way to prevent cardarine side effects is to go for its SARMs safe alternatives. There are a lot of legal, natural, safe, and effective Cardarine SARMs alternatives available in the market.

These cardarine GW 501516 alternatives are proven to showcase the exact same benefits of Cradarine but not its side effects.

If you are into bodybuilding and want to enhance the results of your cutting phase, it’s best to go for a legal alternative to cardarine SARMs.

What is a substitute for Cardarine?

At present, the safest and legal Cardarine alternative is none other than the Crazy Bulk C-DINE.

The natural GW 501516 alternative transforms the body by burning fat, raising endurance, improving recovery, and carving lean muscles.

The blend of vitamins and minerals along with some patented ingredients like Innoslim and Capsimax, C DINE 501516 by Crazy Bulk is the best alternative to Cardarine.

Those who are looking for safe supplements to support their cutting phase can use CrazyBulk C-DINE 501516. 

The muscle-building supplement has a positive effect but doesn’t mimic the side effects of Cardarine. 

CrazyBulk C-DINE 501516 reviews and results shared by users online on various platforms match the claims of the manufacturers. Notably, C-Dine by Crazy Bulk is made for men of all ages. If you want to enhance your performance, you can stack Crazy Bulk C-dine 501516 with the best SARMs for bulking (i.e. OSTA 2866) for faster results.

So whether you are a student or someone in your mid-40s, use C-DINE 501516 for a lean physique by converting fat into fuel.

FAQ’s 

If there is still something that’s left untouched, answers to some of the frequently asked questions related to Cardarine might be of some great help.

#1. Does Cardarine need PCT?

No. Since the effect of Cardarine is neither hormonal nor anabolic, one doesn’t actually require PCT. However, it is better to go for PCT to avoid side effects, in case you are planning the long-term use of Cardarine.

#2. What is the half-life of Cardarine?

The half-life of Cardarine is 12-24 hours. Therefore, many bodybuilders and athletes split their Cardarine dosage into two parts.

#3. Can Cardarine be detected in blood?

Yes, as per the study, after using specific methods, Cardarine tested positive in blood at 403 and 1 ng/mL, respectively.  Adding to it, another GW1516 excretion study proves that it is also detectable in urine.

#3. How much Cardarine is safe?

Although it is banned, a Cardarine dosage of 10-25 mg per day is considered safe. It is specifically suggested to beginners to stick to only 10mg a day to avoid any Cardarine side effects.

#4. Does Cardarine increase HGH?

Yes. Cardarine is popularly known to have effects on the secretion of Human Growth Hormones. It is by stimulating the HGH production that Cardarine results in muscle development.

This is all about Cardarine side effects and how to prevent them. It’s now time to conclude the blog with a final opinion.

Final Opinion

Cardarine is a powerful SARM with the potential to improve overall athletic performance.

Although it wasn’t made with the purpose to use it as a muscle-building supplement, its ability to build a cutting physique made it a hit among gym goers.

Nonetheless, the popular SARMs for cutting also come with some side effects that are as severe as the possibility of cancer.

Adding to it, the cardarine SARMs are also illegal, and using them will land you in legal issues. It is also banned by the sports authorities; therefore; you might end up messing up your career as well.

Cardarine SARM’s side effects can be prevented to an extent by following certain steps.

However, the best way is to go for the safer cardarine alternatives that actually mimic the benefits but not the side effects.

What is your opinion on SARM usage for muscle building? Should people use SARMs or not? Let us know your reviews in the comment section.